§ MR. F. E. SMITH (Liverpool, Walton)To ask the Secretary of State for War what number of men left the Colours during the twelve months ending 30th September, 1905; what was the number of approved recruits during the same period; and what is the estimated difference between the numbers joining and leaving the Colours for the year ending 30th September, 1907.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The Answers to the first two paragraphs of this Question will be found on pages 44–45 of the General Annual Report on the British Army [Cd. 2696]. As regards the final paragraph, I can only say that the answer will depend on the state of the recruiting market and the policy adopted regarding the British establishment. No estimate, therefore, can be given at the present time; but I may add that recruiting up to the present is
† See Col, 817–8.1116 very good, and has every prospect of continuing so.