§ Mr. LANE-FOXasked the Secretary of State for War what difference between the strategic use of cavalry of the Regular Army and that of the cavalry of the Territorial Army accounts for the difference in the arming of the cavalry of the line and the Yeomanry?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe training and service conditions of the Yeomanry are different from those of the Regular Cavalry, and accordingly their arms and strategic use are also different. The arms of the Regular Cavalry include a rifle and sword; but in view of the limited period available 1422 for training the Yeomanry, at all events until they are embodied, it is impossible to do more than instruct them in the use of the rifle, together with the other important mounted duties specified in section 2 of Cavalry Training, 1907, as modified by section 210.
§ Mr. LANE-FOXMay I ask if the Yeomanry fulfil the conditions laid down in the Cavalry Drill Book when drilling with cavalry?
§ Mr. HALDANENo, the Yeomanry are not trained in the same course as the Regular Cavalry, but they do fulfil the conditions laid down for mounted brigades in the Territorial Force, which have been allocated to them by the General Staff.
§ Mr. LANE-FOXDoes the Cavalry Drill Book only apply to service abroad, and not in this country?
§ Mr. HALDANEOh, no. There are a large number of Regular Cavalry in this country. The training for the Yeomanry has been considered with great care in consultation with their leaders by the General Staff, and the regulations laid down are the result of what they have settled among them.
§ Earl WINTERTONDoes the right hon. Gentleman intend that the Yeomanry shall act as cavalry to the Territorial Force?
§ Mr. HALDANEYes, decidedly. But that depends on what is meant by cavalry.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYIs not the Yeomanry recognised as cavalry for the purpose of invasion?
§ Mr. HALDANEIt is an extremely valuable asset against invasion.