§ MR. ASHLEYI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what is the war strength of a battery of Royal Horse Artillery and a brigade of Royal Field Artillery, respectively; and what is the strength of the ammunition column required for the service of a battery of Royal Horse Artillery and a brigade of Royal Field Artillery in time of war.
§ MR. HALDANEThe figures are rather too long to be read out, and I will have them circulated with the Votes and Proceedings.
§ Appended are the figures referred to—
§ of line battalions on the British establishment; what is the increased establishment proposed, and what is the additional number of' rank and file which must be added to the present strength of 1235 in the Army order to raise battalions on the British establishment from their present actual strength to the contemplated increased establishment.
§ MR. HALDANEAs I have already explained to the hon. Member in answer to his Question on 6th April, no steps can profitably be taken to raise the establishment of line battalions at home until the existing shortage on the present establishment has been made good.
§ MR. ASHLEYAre we to understand that when the shortage has been made good the right hon. Gentleman proposes to raise the strength?
§ MR. HALDANEI will consider that when the shortage has been made good.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER (Croydon)What is the additional number of rank and file that would be required?
§ MR. HALDANEIt varies with each individual battalion.