HC Deb 18 October 1909 vol 12 cc1-2
Mr. ASHLEY

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the establishment and strength of officers and also of non-commissioned officers and men of the Territorial Force on the 1st October last?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Haldane)

The numbers are as follows:—

Establishment. Strength.
Officers … 11,267 … 9,650
N.C.O.'s and men … 302,047 … 260,404
Total … 313,314 … 270,054
The establishment is that given in the current year's Army Estimates, and the numbers are exclusive of the permanent staff.

Mr. ASHLEY

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether this deficit in officers and men is decreasing or increasing?

Mr. HALDANE

I cannot tell the hon. Member that. The officers have increased since July by 124. There is a decrease in the men of 311.