BRITAIN'S ARMY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1383, 8 March 1912, Page 6

BRITAIN'S ARMY.

/ ■— »• IS IT STRONG ENOUGH. ; DEBATE IN PARLIAMENT. By Teloeraun-rreis A«!»oliUon-OoDJrislvl (Rec. Marcli 8, 0.5 a.m.) London, March 7. In the dchate on the Army Estimates in the Houso of Commons, Mr. A. H. Leo (Unionist) stated that the territorial force was -15,000 men and 18(10 officers short of full strength. Only 58 per cent, of the men enrolled attended the full training, and 53 per cent, had failed in the musketry course. Tho force cost Jill per head, as compared with tho volunteers, £!. Col. Seely, Under-Secretary for War, said the "Government did not hnso its military strategy oh the assumption of a waning 6ea supremacy. It was satisfied that tho garrisons were adequate, though circumstances might arise necessitating a reinforcement. Tho Government was unable to withdraw the South African garrison at present. If Great Britain was Teally open to attack from highly trained Continental troops, it would be necessary to have full conscription, and not' Lord Eoberts's modified form. Britain's naval supremacy prevented the landing of great forces. Mr. Bonar law, Leader of the Opposition, said ho did not want soldiers to think the present Army rifle worse than, was admitted. On its adoption it was a great improvement on the old weapon.