§ 28. Colonel APPLINasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can say when the establishment of the Militia is to be restored, and the estimated cost of re-establishment on a single battalion basis?
§ Captain KINGThere is no present intention of reconstituting the Militia infantry battalions. The answer to the second part of the question would depend on a large number of assumptions as to establishment, training and other matters, and I cannot usefully give any estimate at the present time.
§ Colonel APPLINIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this is the only military force sanctioned permanently by the people of this country?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIs the War Office considering the question of re-establishing the Militia?
§ Captain KINGI would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer which I have already given.
§ 29. Colonel APPLINasked the Secretary of State for War how the sum of £1,000,000 sterling, voted in the 1922 Estimates for the Militia, was spent and, if still unexpended, how it is proposed to use it?
§ Captain KINGOf the £1,000,000 included in Army Estimates for 1922–23 for the Militia, only £9,603 was spent, representing, mainly, gratuities payable under Regulation to officers of the old Militia. The formation of the new Militia was not proceeded with in that year. The balance unspent was duly surrendered to the Exchequer, with other unexpended balances, at the end of the financial year.