§ MR. MARK STEWART (Kirkcudbright)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether, seeing the importance of training men to carry a kit, the Government could see their way to serve out the valise equipment to Volunteers, which is now being disused by the Army and replaced by one of a newer pattern; at what price great coats could be issued to the Volunteer Force from Government stores; and, whether, in supplying heavy guns to corps, one or two field batteries could not be attached to city and town corps, which could be exercised in combination with the infantry?
§ THE SECRETARY or STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)I am afraid that the valise equipment now being surrendered by the Line is all required for the Militia. Great-coats without capes could be supplied at prices 1099 ringing from 12s. 9d. for the Infantry to 18s. for the Artillery and Engineer; Volunteers; capes would range from 4s. 8d. to 7s. 2d. A limited number of part-worn great-coats might be supplied at cheaper rates. It is probable that in allocating the batteries of position several will be appropriated to Volunteer corps whose headquarters are situated in large cities.
§ In reply to Mr. TOMLINSON (Preston),
§ MR. E. STANHOPEsaid, the greatcoats supplied at 12s. 9d. would be new ones.