§ Mr. COURTHOPEasked the Secretary of State for War if he will state how many recruits have been enlisted for the Special Reserve of the Royal Field Artillery since April, 1909, showing the numbers enlisted per mensem, allowing a reasonable proportion for losses by desertion, sickness, etc.; what is the average per mensem that should be enlisted to keep up the establishment; what is the strength at present of the Special Reserve of the Royal Field Artillery, showing the numbers by divisions; what is the establishment of artificers, by classes, of the Special Reserve of the Royal Field Artillery, and what are the numbers at present serving; and whether any facilities are offered for an increased training for men of the Special Reserve who show an aptitude for and desire to learn a trade?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe number of recruits was as follows:—
April 66 May 35 June 63 July 42 August 62 Total 268 In the present establishment of 12,000 it is calculated that 241 recruits a month are required, after making the usual allowance for casualties; for the future establishment of 6,000 about 120 recruits a month will be required.
The strength by divisions on 1st September was as follows:—
1st Division 1,167 2nd Division 1,386 3rd Division 399 4th Division 1,180 5th Division 2,408 6th Division 1,353 Total 7,893 This figure is exclusive of 774 Militiamen and 24 of the Reserve Division of Militia still serving on their old engagement.
1628WThe establishments of artificers (present and future) and strength are as follows:—
Establishment. Present. Future. Strength. Farriers 36 24 — Shoeing & Carriage Smiths 228 144 3 Saddlers 72 48 — Fitters or Wheelers 72 48 — The reply to the last part of the question-is in the negative.