§ Mr. CLELANDasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the case of articles of equipment recently issued under the provisions of paragraph 623 (2) of the Territorial Force Regulations, which have proved defective during the recent training, his Department contemplate holding an inquiry or instituting any proceedings with reference to the contractor supplying the same?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Haldane)The responsibility for taking action in regard to defective supply by a contractor rests with the county associations. No claim for the grant defined in paragraph 612 of the Territorial Force Regulations will be paid unless supported by a certificate stating that the equipment is in a serviceable condition, and signed by the officer commanding, the adjutant of the unit, and countersigned by the association. Should a claim be made in regard to which my hon. Friend has information to show that the equipment is unserviceable, if he will let me have particulars I will consider the question of inquiry.