§ SIR E. T. GOURLEY (Sunderland)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War why the men of the first Militia Regiment embarked for South Africa were sent out in their winter clothes, and why they were not equipped in khaki, or some other description of uniform suitable for active service in a tropical climate; and can he say if the regiment was accompanied with a Maxim gun; if not, why not.
§ * MR. WYNDHAMIt was found impossible to clothe this battalion in khaki before it embarked, owing to the very heavy calls on the Clothing Department. The khaki was ready shortly after, and will be dispatched in charge of an officer of the battalion. This officer will also take out the machine gun, for instruction in the use of which he had remained behind.