§ Sir HENRY NORMANasked the Secretary of State for War if he can now make a statement regarding the result of the experimental motor mobilisation of the 17th instant; and whether, in any future experiment of this kind, he will take care that an opportunity to carry it out is afforded in the first place to the Army Motor Reserve?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe General Officer Commanding, London District, under whom the experiment was carried out, reports that the battalion concerned was successfully taken from London to Hastings within the stipulated time. It is, however, considered that only a limited number of troops could be moved in this manner owing to the difficulty of control of so long a column. There was no opportunity of testing whether automobiles could be used for the actual supply of ammunition, water, and entrenching tools to the firing line. The second line transport was not so successful.
An experiment of this size could not have been carried out by the Army Motor Reserve, as their numbers are not sufficient for the purpose. Moreover, this is a corps of officers only.
§ Mr. MYERWill the right hon. Gentleman say how many weeks it took the War Office to prepare this sudden dash to the coast. Could not the movement of troops have been more efficiently and expeditiously carried out by rail?
§ Mr. HALDANEIt depends on the circumstances. There was no large preparations for a sudden dash. Instructions were given to the general officer commanding to make his arrangements.
§ Mr. HUGH LEAHow long did it take to prepare?
§ Mr. HALDANEIt is impossible to say that; the thing was not done in a great hurry.
§ Mr. HUGH LEAIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Member for Hastings, or at least his firm, had been begging or borrowing cars all around London for weeks beforehand?
§ Mr. HALDANEI really think it is objectionable to say that when that gentleman has rendered a great public service.
§ Mr. GODFREY BARINGasked what was the total number of motor cars of every description which took part in the recent motor mobilisation at Hastings; how many cars completed the journey to Hastings and back without mishap or breakdown of any kind; and if he can state what was the average speed attained by the cars on the route?
§ Mr. HALDANE286 motor cars for personnel and 30 chassis for material started for Hastings. Sixty-two of these vehicles broke down in small or large de- 4 gree. The average speed attained on the route was 20 miles an hour for cars containing personnel and 1st line transport. No exact figures can be given for the return turn journey. [Cries of "Why?" and laughter.]