§ 18. Sir R. POLE-CAREWasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to say how many cadres of Horse and Field Artillery are to be abolished, and how many batteries of either are to be absorbed?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Colonel Seely)I have nothing at present to add to the replies which I have already given to the hon. and gallant Gentleman on this subject.
§ Sir R. POLE-CAREWHaving regard to the fact that it is extremely difficult to form a cadre once it has been abolished, will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to guarantee that this House shall have an opportunity to discuss the matter before Parliament rises?
§ Colonel SEELYI do not think it reasonable to suggest that the rearrangement of the Artillery rendered necessary by the return of the Artillery from South Africa, should be fully discussed here before the whole of the rearrangements are yet completed. I will give the fullest information on the point, and the hon. and gallant Gentleman may be assured that no steps will be taken which will in any way weaken the Artillery. The steps taken will be with a view to increasing the striking force.
§ Sir R. POLE-CAREWDoes the right hon. Gentleman not consider that to abolish the cadres is to decrease the efficiency of the Artillery?
§ Colonel SEELYThat is another question.