§ Mr. W. W. ASHLEYasked the Secretary of State for War what was the establishment in non-commissioned officers and men of the infantry battalions of the line stationed in the Aldershot Command on 31st July; and what was the actual strength on that date?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Haldane)The figures for the rank and file are as follows:—
Establishment. Strength. 12,960 13,025
§ Mr. ASHLEYasked how many noncommissioned officers and men serving in the infantry battalions of the line in the Aldershot command were under 20 years of age on 31st July?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe figures for the rank and file amount to 5,437.
§ Mr. ASHLEYDo I understand there are 5,000 odd men under 20 out of the total?
§ Mr. HALDANEI should imagine they include men of 18 years.
§ Mr. ASHLEYasked what was the establishment and strength in non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Engineers serving in the Aldershot Command on 31st July; and what number were under 20 years of age?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe figures for the non-commissioned officers and men, excluding 36 trumpeters, buglers and boys, are as follow:—
Establishment. Strength. under 20 years of age 1,714 1,440 183
§ Mr. ASHLEYAs these are men who will form part of our striking force, how can they go anywhere at a moment's notice?
§ Mr. HALDANEI suppose the hon. Member knows there is such a thing as the Reserve?
§ Mr. ASHLEYIs our striking force any use without calling out all our reserves?
§ Mr. HALDANEOf course, it never was.