HC Deb 07 August 1896 vol 44 c97
COLONEL WELBY (Taunton)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the ash lance staves issued to Dragoon Guards and Dragoon regiments have been reported by Boards of Officers and Officers Commanding to be brittle, unreliable, and unfit for active service; and what steps are being taken to replace them with bamboos?

*MR. BRODRICK

It is recognised that the ash lance staves are not satisfactory, but great difficulty is found in procuring sufficient bamboo staves which fulfil all the conditions required in the specification. It is hoped to provide a store of bamboo lances for use on active service, retaining the ash slaves for use during peace.

MR. JOHN MCLEOD (Sutherland)

What is the country of origin of ash staves? Are they made in Germany?

Mr. BRODRICK

dissented by shaking his head.