§ Sir G. Foxasked the Secretary of State for War what the annual cost is of trooping, and what the increased cost in the Army Estimates would be, if the term for foreign service were reduced from six years to three years; and whether he will consider this with a view to helping recruiting for the Army?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe estimated cost to Army Funds of sea transport of personnel for 1939 is £562,000. The estimated extra cost, if the term of foreign service were reduced to three years, would be £300,000 annually, of which two-thirds would fall on India. Increased establishments would also be required.
As regards the last part of the question, I hope to deal with the subject in introducing Army Estimates to-morrow.