§ Mr. ASHLEYasked why the second battery of the First West Riding Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery, while recently in camp at Knott End, near Fleetwood, was not supplied with any dial sights, aiming-posts, directors, correctors, or a plotter, and were only supplied with one clinometer-sight instead of four; and whether it was considered that a battery could make itself efficient without these necessary articles of equipment?
§ Mr. FULLERDial sights will not be available for the Field Artillery until those now being used by the regulars are released by the supply of new pattern sights for the latter. Meanwhile arrangements were made for the supply of temporary wooden dial sights. Directors and plotters are due from the manufacturers, but there has been delay in delivery by the contractors. It was only recently decided to issue correctors and the supply was completed in July. The issue of aiming posts was completed in July. The Brigade in question commenced practice on 24th July and it is not known at the War Office whether it received supply of correctors and aiming posts before going into camp, but every endeavour has been made to supply the 1757 articles as rapidly as possible. As regards clinometer-sights the battery should have its full complement; if these have not been supplied application should be made to the local Chief Ordnance Officer.
§ Mr. ASHLEYCan the hon. Gentleman state what is the use of spending large sums of public money on camps while not giving the men the things which are necessary to enable them to become efficient?