§ MR. BELLAIRS (Lynn Regis)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the present reserve of small-arm ammunition is larger than that existing in 1904; whether this is also the case with the general stock of ammunition; and whether the supplies are based on an expeditionary force of 167,000 men.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (MR. HALDANE, Haddington)346 The present reserve of small arm ammunition at home is somewhat lower than that existing in 1904. The reason is that there has been a reduction in the number of Regulars to be provided for. This is also the ease with the general stock, but both stocks are ample, and are based on scales which are the same as in 1904. The expeditionary force is of course provided for.
§ In reply to a further Question—
§ MR. HALDANEsaid the expeditionary force was provided for on a larger scale than under the old system.