§ MR. FETHERSTONHAUGHTo ask the Secretary of State for War when it is proposed to clothe and arm the staff of the Special Reserve with modern outfit and weapons; is he aware that the late permanent staff of the Militia battalions of the Inniskilling Fusiliers were wearing old pattern caps, leggings, great costs, and tunics, and were armed with obsolete rifles and bayonets; and that the Special Reserve is in the same condition?
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) Permanent staff of Militia or Special Reserve battalions are clothed in new pattern caps, greatcoats, and tunics concurrently with their line battalions. The permanent staffs of the 3rd and 4th Inniskilling Fusiliers have received 407 their new caps. The drab greatcoats will be supplied as soon as the officers commanding have indented for them. Puttees cannot be issued until the stock of leggings is exhausted. It is intended to arm and equip the men of the Special Reserve infantry with the same pattern rifle and accoutrements as are held for the Regular Reservist. No alteration will, however, be made until after the completion of the annual training this year.