§ MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE (Bristol, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the equipment of some Militia regiments is out of date and much worn, not even being of one pattern for the whole battalion in some cases, and whether he will see that they are properly provided with good equipment.
LORD STANLEYI am aware that some Militia battalions have equipment which is not of the latest pattern in some respects. The commanding officer is responsible that the equipment is serviceable in all respects. If he considers any part unserviceable he would report it. I am not prepared to authorise the heavy cost of equipping all the battalions with the latest pattern so long as their equipment is serviceable.
§ MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSEIf an officer reports the equipment as unserviceable, will he get a fresh one?