29. MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEasked the Secretary of State for War 208 whether it is the intention of the War Office to arm the Yeomanry with cast Cavalry swords on mobilisation, and not till then; and whether he will consider the issue of bayonets now to those regiments that prefer this weapon?
§ Colonel SEELYIt has been decided to issue swords to the Yeomanry on mobilisation, but a percentage of practice swords will be issued during peace. The bayonet will not form part of the equipment of the Yeomanry.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEWhat is the good of issuing weapons on mobilisation which the men will not know how to use? Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question as to whether these swords he intends to use are not swords which have been found useless in the Cavalry?
§ Colonel SEELYNo, Sir. The answer is in the negative.
§ Colonel SEELYThey will be very good swords, and I have no doubt they would be used with great effect.
§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONWill they be the old or the new pattern?
§ Colonel SEELYIn the first place, they will be the old pattern Cavalry sword, which, as the hon. and gallant. Member knows, is a very good sword indeed. As time goes on no doubt they will be supplied with the present weapon.
§ Colonel SEELYThey were made specially for the Cavalry.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEDoes it not need a perfectly different training for the old sword and the new sword?
§ Colonel SEELYThat is a large question, which I cannot debate at Question Time. I am sure hon. Members do not expect to discuss the relative merits of the sword at Question Time.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYI asked for the percentages.