§ MR. ASHLEYI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War why the establishment and strength of the Army on the British establishment, stated by him on the 6th April to be 157,958 and 153,755, respectively, are shown in the Army Estimates (page 11) as 169,114 and 161,302 respectively.
§ MR. HALDANEThe figures given on the 6th April referred to the number of non-commissioned officers and men on the 1st March, 1908. The figures shown on page 11 of the Army Estimates re- 1644 ferred to the number of all ranks on the 1st January, 1908.
§ *MR. ASHLEYIs the Army therefore now short by 3,600 officers?
§ MR. HALDANENo; there is no material change. There has always been a shortage.