HC Deb 25 February 1914 vol 58 cc1750-1
22. Mr. WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for War how much of the £779,500, which the 6,800 Imperial troops in South Africa cost annually, would be saved if these same troops were quartered in this country?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Colonel Seely)

The cost would be reduced by about £140,000 a year if the present establishments of officers, men, and horses were quartered at home. I should, perhaps, add that that assumes that there would be no difficulty in regard to barrack accommodation, a matter I cannot deal with by question and answer. As a matter of fact, it they were all brought home the saving would be much less, owing to the increased barrack accommodation that would be required.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Would the saving be only £140,000 if they were all brought home?

Colonel SEELY

Yes; that is apart from the question of barrack room, which would still further reduce the saving.