§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDalso asked whether the financial provision for an increase of 3,000 in the personnel of the Navy is sufficient for a full year's pay for those extra 3,000 men; whether it is intended, on account of the gradual entry of those extra men, to utilise the money voted towards bringing the increase by the end of the financial year up to a greater number than 3,000; and what is the actual increase in the personnel which the Admiralty expect to have effected by 31st March next?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The answer to the remainder of the question is that the number on 31st March, 1911, will depend upon the bearing required to produce an average of 131,000 during the year.
§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDIs it not a fact that the number of men raised in addition this year will be nearer 5,000 than 3,000—more likely over 5,000?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir. The Noble Lord understands the point very well, and he knows that the number voted by Parliament represents the average during the year, and, therefore, if during any part of the year there is less than the average, 1059 there is more than the average at another part of the year. It is impossible to say at present what the bearing will be in March, 1911.