I should like to ask the Minister to give the Dáil and the country some explanation for the big increase in the sub-head dealing with warlike stores of from £115,000 to £136,519. I take it that it is not at the discretion of any subordinate officer of the Army, or even of the Commander-in-Chief, to assume responsibility for increasing a charge like that for warlike stores in the way that it has been increased; and some explanation must be forthcoming as to the reasons why this big increase is put down in the Estimate, seeing that we have arrived at a more or less normal period. One would imagine, on looking at it at first glance, that there was reason to expect—I will not say hope —that there was to be an outbreak of hostilities again, either from the Six Counties Boundary or something similar to what we have been going through for the last two or three years. It is not encouraging, and some explanation of it should be forthcoming.
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE. - SUB-HEAD Q—WARLIKE STORES.
I think, relatively, the amount is very small. Dividing 136 by 18 gives you £7 or £8 per man. In this case there was a considerable stock, I take it, on hands on the 31st of March, and the amount that is down in the Estimate was in consequence of the existence of these supplies at that particular period. But ordinary replacements and a more careful overhauling of existing arms are necessary now that we have got into a peace period. The Deputy would be surprised if he knew how many defective weapons there were that were used during the war period or during the period of disturbance. In addition to that, there are certain articles utilised in time of war which, unlike wine, do not improve with age. And, to avoid greater complications, they are used at stated periods. In this particular instance, some articles that we have, such as shells, would require to be used —it would be very much more expensive if they were not—and they have got to be replaced.
In the same way, a certain amount of ammunition is required even in peace times. The men have to go in for rifle practice, and so on, and the amount that is put down in the Estimate would amount to very little more than 10s. per month per man in the Army. Having regard to these facts, I think the amount is not unreasonable and the fact that it is a little more than it was last year does not indicate that we have the slightest apprehension of any desire for war on our side of the Border or on the other side of the Border, nor do we anticipate any internal disturbances. This is an item that I think will appear in the Estimates for years to come. It is the normal sum.
The figure, £115,000, was for the year 1923-24, when things were not normal. One would be inclined to think that £115,000 is a normal figure rather than the figure £136,519.
Yes. But I told the Deputy that we had a considerable stock coming in this year.
If you look to previous Estimates you will see that the amount for warlike stores amounted to almost a million.
I should like to ask a question in reference to the stores for the Air Service. It does not appear whether they come under the head "P—General Stores," or under the head "Q—Warlike Stores." What reason can the President give for keeping on an Air Service? What necessity is there for it? It is just a waste of money at the present time. I do not see why we should be asked to vote for a service, the utility of which is not apparent at present.
Stores for the Air Service come under the head "P —General Stores." They are not included in "Warlike Stores." It is intended to purchase some spare parts for the Air Service. Our Air Service is very small, but it is very advisable and necessary that we should, at least, have a small one.
It is very useful at election times, at any rate.
Is it intended to increase this Vote if there is a General Election this year?
No.
Sub-heads Q, R, and S agreed to.