§ SIR JOHN LENGTo ask the Secretary of State for War why the 1246 Volunteer Forces in this country are still equipped with the old Crimean ball pouches; whether there is any intention to supply them with leather bandoliers instead of the cotton bandoliers which proved so wasteful of cartridges in the South African War and when this is to be done.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Arnold-Forster.) The question of the abolition of pouches and the introduction of bandoliers or other means of carrying ammunition in clips or chargers will be considered when the new rifle is introduced both for Regulars and Auxiliary Forces. The equipment of the Volunteers is supplied by the corps out of its Capitation Grant.