HC Deb 27 July 1908 vol 193 cc866-7
MR. CARLILE

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, in view of the fact that the absence of cyclist companies from the infantry battalions of the Territorial Force will much impair the value of the tactical training it is possible to give to the infantry, whether he will consider the advisability of making provision for the addition of cyclist companies to these battalions.

MR. HALDANE

The Army Council has decided to sanction the formation in each battalion of Infantry, at the discretion of the Association, of a cyclist section, composed of one officer, 2 non-commissioned officers and twelve men. This section will be within the establishment of the battalion, and will receive the same rates of pay as the rest of the battalion.

MR. CARLILE

asked if the decision come to was not contrary to the opinion held by nearly all commanding officers.

MR. HALDANE

said that it was a matter which must be decided by the General Staff.