SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the allowance of ball and blank ammunition, to Engineer Volunteers has been greatly reduced, and whether the 506 musketry requirements for efficiency have been reduced in like proportion; and whether, having regard to the great pains taken by the Sheffield Engineers and other corps to attain skill in shooting, and the encouragement given to musketry throughout the West Riding by the prizes generously offered by Colonel Bingham, Sheffield Engineers, facilities can be afforded to his regiment and others affected by the new order to obtain ammunition at the lowest possible cost?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. BRODRICK, Surrey, Guild-ford)Yes, Sir. The allowance of small arm ammunition for Engineer Volunteers has recently been reduced to the amount considered adequate by the military authorities. The musketry requirements for efficiency of Engineer Volunteers are so moderate that they are not susceptible of reduction. Volunteers will continue to be allowed to purchase ammunition at the lowest possible cost.