HC Deb 24 May 1909 vol 5 cc811-2
Mr. LANE-FOX

asked in what manner the selected Yeomanry corps, acting as the independent cavalry of the Territorial Army, and armed as mounted infantry, are to perform the duty of defeating the hostile cavalry, which is the first duty assigned to them in section 144, Cavalry Training, 1907, in view of the fact that the same section states that dismounted action for independent cavalry will at the best have but negative results?

Mr. HALDANE

The action of Yeomanry in the circumstances mentioned will be the same as that of cavalry, and the principles are laid down in Cavalry Training, 1907. I cannot, however, undertake, within the limits of an answer to a question, to discuss the detailed instructions laid down in Cavalry Training. The hon. Member has omitted, I think, to read to the end of the manual of Cavalry Training. If he will look at it again he will find an appendix 4 at page 313, which shows the modifications to be read into the general instructions laid down in the manual, when these instructions are to be applied to Yeomanry training.

Mr. LANE-FOX

Have we in the Territorial Army any force which is capable of meeting fully equipped hostile cavalry?

Mr. HALDANE

I think if that fully equipped cavalry is in anything like the same numbers as we are, the Yeomanry of the Territorial Force would not be able to meet them, but the reason is that the training of the Yeomanry of the Territorial Force cannot be as great as the cavalry who are trained for three years, but I think it is extremely unlikely that any Power will succeed in bringing this large force of cavalry and horses across the seas.