HC Deb 01 June 1908 vol 189 cc1544-5
MR. T. F. RICHARDS (Wolverhampton, W.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that upon the arrival of the guns for the heavy battery of the Warwickshire Royal Garrison Artillery, South Midland Division, a procession was formed and the guns conveyed to their destination, the horses being led by men with bands round their hats with the names of four well-known brewery firms upon them; whether these drivers were soldiers or brewers' employees; and whether any payment was made, and, if so, what amount, by these brewery companies for this advertisement.

MR. HALDANE

No information in regard to this matter has reached the War Office. I am, however, glad, in the interest of the Territorial Force, to learn that there was at least considerable enthusiasm over the advent of the guns. I have been informed that as horses could not be got elsewhere the enterprising commanding officer borrowed them from the brewers, and my sympathies on this occasion are wholly with the brewers.

MR. W. THORNE (West Ham, S.)

Did the men know what was behind the guns?

[No Answer was returned].