§ Mr. GILBERTasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the strength of the naval and military establishments, respectively, now maintained at Gibraltar; and whether he has considered the question of effecting reduction and economy in respect of the military establishment?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have been asked to reply. The question of economy in military personnel has already been considered. The pre-War military establish-388W ment at Gibraltar was 173 officers and 3,719 other ranks, with a strength on 1st August, 1914, of 160 officers and 3,674 other ranks, while the provisional military establishment for 1920–21, which is subject to further consideration, is laid down at 114 officers and 1,942 other ranks, and the strength on 1st October, 1920, was 114 officers and 1,892 other ranks. It has therefore already been reduced by 59 officers and 1,777 other ranks. As regards naval establishments, I must refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the, First Lord of the Admiralty.