HC Deb 22 April 1909 vol 3 cc1673-4
Mr. STAVE LEY-HILL

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the number of batteries of artillery now equipped with up - to - date telephonic communication; what methods of communication are employed in the absence of telephones; and what steps are being taken to supply telephones to the batteries at present without them?

The HON. GENTLEMAN

further asked whether the right hon. Gentleman would state the number of batteries of artillery which practised on Salisbury Plain in 1908 which were in possession of telephones; how many batteries were without such means of communication; and whether any steps are being taken to make good the deficiency?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Haldane)

Up-to-date telephonic equipment has been provided for the field artillery brigades of four divisions. Equipment is being obtained for the remaining field artillery brigades, howitzer brigades, and heavy batteries of the field army. Money has been taken in this year's Estimates for equipment for the horse artillery of the field army and the seventh division and for the field artillery brigades in South Africa. Pending distribution, the ordinary means of communication hitherto in use are employed. None of the batteries which practised at Salisbury Plain in 1908 had been provided with telephone equipment.