§ 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. BRODRICKIt 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. BRODRICKdissented by shaking his head.