§ Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Under-Secretary of State fur War the cost in francs and the size of the French Army and Air Force in 1913–14 and at the present time, and the corresponding figures for the British Army and Air Forces?
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Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSThe French Army, including Air Force, in 1914 cost 1,923,476,000 francs and had a Budget strength of 917,000 men. The corresponding figures for 1923 are 4,191,060,324 francs and 732,248 men. This does not include the Colonial Army stationed in the Colonies which amounted to 64,700 in 1914 and 52,000 in 1923. The French figures include no pensions. The, British Army in 1913–14 cost £27,700,000 and had an establishment of 182,300 exclusive of the Territorial Army. The corresponding figures for 1923 are £52,550,000 and 160,300. The British figures include service pensions, but nothing for aviation.