HC Deb 22 February 1905 vol 141 cc890-1
SIR (JARNE RASCH (Essex, Chelmsford)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the Patterson equipment has been adopted for the Indian cavalry; and whether it will be applied to the British cavalry, seeing that the bucket appliance weighs 4 lbs. and the Patterson arrangement 12 ozs. only.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. ARNOLD-FOESTER,W.) Belfast,

I understand that the Patterson equipment is used by a portion of the Indian cavalry. I believe that recent reports show that there is some doubt as I to whether the pattern adopted is satisfactory from the point of view of durability. As regards cavalry on the British Establishment, it has been decided not to adopt this equipment at present, as the advantages derived from its use are considered to be more than balanced by its disadvantages. I must point out that the weight of the new bucket is only 2½ lbs., and not 4 lbs. as stated in the Question. It is probable that further information with regard to the value of this equipment will shortly be received from India.