§ SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War if a decision has yet been arrived at as to the capitation grant of mounted infantry companies of Volunteer battalions, now deemed essential to their efficiency, and especially as to the camp allowances this year; and, further, if, having regard to the cost of hire, it will be possible to provide the mounted companies of battalions proceeding to Aldershot and other large military centres with suitable Government horses for the purpose of instruction.
* MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS (for Mr. WYNDHAM)The capitation allowances for mounted infantry will be shortly made known. It will not be practicable to provide suitable Government horses for these companies. Mounted infantry companies are not deemed essential to the efficiency of any Volunteer battalion. The formation of such companies will be encouraged in cases where they can be made efficient without interfering with recruiting for the Yeomanry; but it is held that, in general, cyclist companies will be more likely to be useful.