§ COLONEL M'CALMONT (Antrim, E.)To ask the Secretary of State for War why Carrickfergus, the head-quarters of the Antrim Royal Garrison Artillery, has not been placed, on the basis of a 659 depot, the same as the twenty infantry battalions specially selected to drill their recruits for six months; whether there are at present seventy-two recruits there, besides twenty-eight of a permanent staff, with only two officers, one, the adjutant, frequently away on other duties, the second officer having a little over two years service; and whether it is the intention to call up an instructor of artillery to instruct these recruits in their duties.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) Carrickfergus is the head-quarters of the Antrim Royal Garrison Reserve Artillery, and the recruits drill at the head-quarters. It is not a depot, as it merely takes the recruits for this artillery unit. There are at present seventy-four recruits drilling there, besides the permanent staff. In compliance with the request of the commanding officer for assistance one subaltern has been allowed, the recruits being under seventy-five in number; and this is in accordance with the proportion formerly allowed under the Militia Regulations.