§ SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)To ask the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the experiment suggested by Colonel Pollock of giving thorough training in six months to a company corresponding to Militia recruits, and to the fact that £3,000 has been privately subscribed for the purpose; and, having regard to the importance of training men to arms in the shortest possible time, the Army Council will complete the sum required by a grant of £500.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) My attention has been drawn to the scheme mentioned in the Question. The Army Council regard this scheme as purely a private experiment. It will not, 491 therefore, be possible to make the direct contribution suggested out of Army funds. In view, however, of the fact that the experiment is regarded as very interesting from the military point of view, it has been decided to lend arms and accoutrements, a limited number of hutments and a drill ground at Hounslow, or camp equipment, if preferred.