§ MR. COGHILL (Stoke-upon-Trent)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he has now received any report as to the circumstances under which William Hill, of Fenton, a private in the 4th Battalion North Staffordshire Militia, met his death recently at Lichfield; and whether his attention has been called to the recommendation of the jury at the inquest that in future a distinction should be made between dummy and ball cartridges.
§ MR. BROMLEY DAVENPORTA report has been received from the General Officer commanding the Northwestern District, from which it appears that it is not possible to state definitely how this round of ball cartridge got into the bag containing dummy cartridges. As regards preventing a recurrence of this regrettable accident, inquiry is being made as to whether the distinction which now exists between ball and dummy cartridges cannot be made more marked. Orders have also been issued enjoining greater care in the issue and return of unexpended ball ammunition.
§ MR. COGHILLWill any compensation be made to the relatives of Private Hill?
§ MR. BROMLEY DAVENPORTI must ask the hon. Member to give notice of that Question.