§ CAPTAIN JESSELI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether the ankle boot at present in use in the Army is the pattern upon which both H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught, after the New Forest Manœuvres of 1895, and Lord Ralph Kerr, after the Curragh Manœuvres of 1895, made such 673 adverse reports; whether the War Office is aware that the boots used in home service wear out very rapidly; and whether fresh inquiries would be made as to the suitability, both at home as well as abroad, of the present boot to the requirements of the Army?
§ MR. BRODRICKThere are two patterns of ankle boots; one is a hand-sewn whole-soled boot supplied to troops abroad. It has been in use many years, and has hitherto been favourably reported upon, both for ordinary and for campaign wear. This is the boot supplied to the troops in Egypt. The other is a machine-sewn boot, with a clump sole, hobnails, toe and heel plates. It is worn exclusively at home. This is the boot which has been complained of in the reports alluded to. Owing to the clump, and the weight of metal, it is no doubt uncomfortable for prolonged marching, and several boots are under trial with the object of finding a satisfactory substitute.
§ CAPTAIN JESSELMay I ask when a decision is likely to be come to? I understand that the boots have been on trial for a very considerable period.
§ MR. BRODRICKThat I cannot say, but I can assure my honourable and gallant Friend there is every desire to get boots more approved of.