16. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for War what reductions in the Army already arranged for have not yet been carried out; whether, in view of the serious position of affairs in Ireland, and the heavy commitments of the country in other parts of the world, any further cutting down contemplated will be suspended in the meantime; and if he will state what were the respective numbers of officers and men in the infantry, cavalry and artillery before the War, and what is the actual strength now of those forces?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON - EVANSAs the answers to the first and third part of the question are of a statistical character, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission circulate the par-titulars in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.
Following are the particulars referred to:
As regards the first part of the question, out of the 10 third and fourth battalions recommended for disbandment, all but three have been disbanded. The three not yet disbanded are all serving
| Army. | 1st July, 1914 (approx.). | 1st July, 1922 (approx.). | ||||
| Officers. | Other Banks. | Total. | Officers, | Other Ranks. | Total. | |
| Infantry (including Guards). | 4,770 | 135,800 | 140,570 | 4,550 | 113,000 | 117,550 |
| Cavalry | 800 | 19,000 | 19,800 | 600 | 13,000 | 13,600 |
| Artillery | 1,900 | 44,700 | 46,600 | 2,100 | 35,500 | 37,600 |