HC Deb 13 July 1908 vol 192 c396
MR. ASHLEY

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether rifles have been issued to the men of the Territorial Field Artillery and ammunition columns.

MR. HALDANE

Non-commissioned officers and men of the Field Artillery units and ammunition columns are not required to fire a musketry course, and no issues of rifles have been made to newly raised units or ammunition columns. The Army Council are however considering whether rifles or carbines should be issued, though a compulsory course is not prescribed. Meanwhile, the units formed from Volunteer Corps have been allowed to retain their arms.

MR. ASHLEY

Is it not the fact that the Regular Artillery have carbines issued to them?

MR. HALDANE

I rather think that is so.