§ SIR ROBERT HOBART (Hampshire, New Forest)To ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that a number of the best Volunteers have been lost to the Territorial Force 1222 owing to the abolition of the cyclist companies, and that it would be easier and more economical to re-establish these companies than to raise entire new cyclist battalions, and that the question of these and of the special service sections of Territorial units is still unsettled, he will give consideration to the question of raising complete special service cyclist companies for infantry units which could, if required, be brigaded for training or on mobilisation.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The principle of having cyclist battalions in lieu of cyclist companies attached to infantry battalions was definitely adopted after very full consideration by the General Staff. This is a matter in which broad principles of organisation must necessarily override special interests. It is not proposed to reconsider the matter.