§ Viscount LEWISHAMasked if the statement of the late Financial Secretary at Tiverton that we are now provided in every way, so that within forty-eight hours of an alarm being given the Territorial Force could stand forth absolutely equipped with everything it might need to face any invasion or emergency that might arise, gives an accurate description of the present position of the Territorial Force; if this absolute equipment includes all that would have to be provided on mobilisation by the Army Council and by the county associations, respectively; and if, in addition to the war equipment, vehicles and harness, clothing and necessaries, regimental supplies, medical and veterinary stores to be provided by county associations, this absolute equipment also includes horses?
§ Colonel SEELYThe speech to which the Noble Lord alludes deal merely with the financial provision which had been made for mobilisation requirements. The period required for the mobilisation of any of the forces of the Crown as apart from the money provision, which was naturally the aspect of the case with which my hon. Friend was dealing, is confidential, and I am not, therefore, in a position to give the Noble Lord any detailed information on the subject.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs it usual for Ministers to give confidential information at public meetings?
§ Colonel SEELYThere was nothing confidential in what my right hon. Friend said. He said adequate funds were provided for this purpose, and so they were. What would have been confidential would have been to state the actual period during which mobilisation could be completed.