§ *MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether an Estimate of the total numbers of the Territorial Army likely to be actually available for active service in the field was made before the Bill proposing to establish the force was submitted to Parliament; and, if so, what was the number of men then estimated as likely to be available; and has the Estimate been varied by the withdrawal of the Militia from the Territorial Army.
§ MR. HALDANEThe Answer to the first part of this Question is in the affirmative. The mobile troops, as apart from purely coast defence troops, according to the estimate presented to Parliament [Cd. 3296] will consist of fourteen mounted brigades, fourteen divisions with certain Army troops and line of communication troops, or about 291,000 officers and men in all. The numbers required for the Special Contingent were not included in this Estimate, and the fact that the Militia is now to form part of the Special Contingent does not in any way affect the numbers of the Territorial Army.
§ *MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERAre the figures given in the Return actual or merely nominal figures? Do they take into account the necessary withdrawals from the field force?
§ MR. HALDANEWhat withdrawals?
§ *MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERMen ill, or men who for other reasons are unable to respond when called out.
§ MR. HALDANEThe right hon. Gentleman asked for an estimate, and I have given one.
§ *MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERI want to know what will be the available field force in time of war for the Territorial Field Army.
§ MR. HALDANEThat is not the Question on the Paper. I have given him the estimate asked for in the Question.