HC Deb 20 March 1902 vol 105 cc534-5
MR. LAMBERT (Devonshire, South Molton)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state what period of training the 6,000 Yeomen who are to be despatched to South Africa next month have received, and whether they all have passed any tests of efficiency in riding and shooting.

MR. BRODRICK

These men have had from two to two and a half months training but not all have passed the tests in riding and shooting. Those who proceed to South Africa will be required to fully pass all tests before they start.

MR. LAMBERT

Start from where—from this country or from South Africa for the front?

MR. BRODRICK

From this country.

MR. LOGAN (Leicestershire, Harborough)

Is the House to understand that the Yeomanry who have been sent out to South Africa have had only two and a half months training, or is this in addition to a preliminary military training?

MR. BRODRICK

The hon. Gentleman has not followed my answer. Obviously the Yeomanry who were enlisted two and a half months ago could not have had more than two and a half months training. But they will not be despatched to South Africa until they fully satisfy the General Officer Commanding at Aldershot as to their efficiency.