§ SIR GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to consolidate the military forces in the different Colonies of South Africa and then to withdraw all British Regular troops, leaving the defence of South Africa to the local forces.
§ MR. HALDANENo, Sir. There is no present intention of further reducing the South African garrison.
§ SIR GILBERT PARKERHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been directed to a statement by Lord Methuen to the effect suggested in the Question?
§ MR. HALDANEI saw a very brief report of the statement. I gathered it referred to reductions already announced rather than to future policy.