§ Mr. MYERasked whether the whole of the Special Reserve, numbering over 70,000 men and forming part of our striking force, went through their annual training this year with bayonets that would not fix on to their rifles; and, if so, who was responsible for this condition of things?
§ Mr. ACLANDAs I have already explained to the House, every effort was made to issue the new short rifle to the Special Reserve in time for this year's training, but it was not found possible to issue the new bayonet simultaneously, and thus in a large number of cases the issue of bayonets was not completed until after the training period.
§ Mr. MYERAre we to understand that there were 70,000 men, with 70,000 rifles, and with bayonets that would not fix upon the rifles?
§ Mr. ACLANDNo, Sir. In a large number of cases bayonets were supplied, but we were so anxious that the troops should have the short rifle in time for this year's training that we could not supply bayonets in proportion to the number of short rifles issued.
§ Mr. ACLANDIt is rather difficult to follow the exact dates on which the issues were made in each case, and, therefore, I cannot give the hon. Member the information for which he asks.