§ MR. LEAI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War how many officers were given commissions in the cavalry and infantry of the Regular Army during the years ending 31st December, 1898, 1899, 1406 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, and 1906, respectively.
I beg also to ask the Secretary of State for War how many officers were given combatant commissions as lieutenants or second lieutenants in the cavalry and infantry of the Regular Army who had previously served in the ranks (exclusive of riding-masters, quartermasters, band-masters, or other positions carrying honorary rank with them) during the years ending 31st December, 1898, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, and 1906, respectively.
§ MR. HALDANEIn reply to these Questions, if my hon. friend will kindly refer to the Return of Army Commissions granted during the years 1885 to 1906, which was recently presented to Parliament, he will find all the information he requires.
§ MR. LEAIs it not the fact that in that Return there is no differentiation made between the commissions given to officers of the Coast Brigade Royal Artillery and to quarter-masters, bandmasters, and riding-masters, and therefore, so far as showing the number given for the ranks, the Return is practically useless?
§ MR. HALDANEI do not think that is so, but if my hon. friend will put down another Question I will inquire.