§ CAPTAIN MORRISON-BELLTo ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state (by arms) the age and service of the non-commissioned officers and men of the special reserve (formerly the Militia) on 1st February, 1908.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) Presumably figures for the Militia are required, as recruiting for the Special Reserve only commenced on 16th January, and the voluntary transfer of the present members of the Militia to the Special Reserve will not take place until after the conclusion of the next annual training of their units. There are no Militia figures available for 1st February. The Returns are only sent in annually, for 1st October, and if the hon. and
| — | Officers | Non-Commissioned Officers and Men. | Total. |
| 1st October, 1905:— | |||
| Homo | 5,383 | 124,547 | 129,930 |
| Colonies and Egypt | 2,512 | 61,630 | 64,142 |
| India | 2,893 | 75,168 | 78,061 |
| Total | 10,788 | 261,345 | 272,133 |