BRITISH ARMY (STRENGTH).

HC Deb 21 May 1936 vol 312 c1389W

Sir A. WILSON

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the approximate strength of the Army and the shortage of men in July, 1899, July, 1914, and January, 1936?

Mr. COOPER

The approximate strengths of the troops on the regimental establishment of the Regular Army, and the corresponding deficits for the dates mentioned, were:

		Strength.	Deficit.
July, 1899	…	223,300	16,300
July, 1914	…	233,400	11,000
January, 1936	…	191,000	7,500

I should add that the figures for January, 1936, cover a number of troops from overseas awaiting transfer to the Reserve, etc., and the present deficit is in excess of 11,000.