§ MR. ARTHUR LEEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he will state the strength, both in officers and men, of the Regular Army serving with, the colours on 1st October, 1905, and 1st October, 1908, respectively, giving in each case separate figures for cavalry, artillery, and infantry.
§ MR. HALDANEYes, Sir. The figures are too long to read out to the House, but I will have them printed with the Votes and Proceedings.
§ MR. ARTHUR LEEWill the right hon. Gentleman state the general effect of the figures?
§ MR. HALDANEThe total strength as distinguished from establishment, was, on 1st October, 1905, 182,319, and on 1st October, 1908, 166,043. The difference is largely accounted for by the reduction in the Garrison Artillery.
§ MR. ARTHUR LEEWill the Return show the difference in the numbers of the Reserve?
§ MR. HALDANEThe number of Reservists was just now much above the normal. It is "higher than in 1905.
§ MR. ASHLEYIs not the increase due entirely to the policy of the late Government?
§ MR. HALDANEThe increase in the Reserve is in part due to the three years system.