§ 19. Sir REGINALD POLE-CAREWasked the Secretary of State for War if he can state how many batteries of horse, field, and heavy Artillery in this country are now actually ready to take the field with their full complement of guns at war strength; how many guns are temporarily disabled in consequence of portions of their mechanism or fittings being out of repair; how many units in the Army at Home have their full complement of machine guns, range-finders, signalling apparatus, and field telephones; and how many of these machine guns and instruments are temporarily disabled?
§ Colonel SEELYTo obtain the information required it would be necessary to call for detailed returns from all commands. I can, however, assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that there is sufficient material in equipments or in reserve to replace temporary disablement. The only portion of the equipment mentioned which is not fully supplied is the new one-man range finder, which is being gradually introduced to replace the old pattern.