HC Deb 26 November 1914 vol 68 cc1312-4
68. Mr. GRANT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the lack of facilities for the training of cooks in the new regiments of His Majesty's Army; and if he can see his way to sending instructors in cookery to the various centres where such regiments are stationed?

Mr. TENNANT

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Aston Manor yesterday.

75. Mr. BRIDGEMAN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if the reports from the front emphasise the importance of making trenches in the training of men for modern warfare; and whether he is satisfied that adequate facilities and equipment for digging are being provided at all the places of training in this country?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes, Sir. The reports from the front do emphasise the importance of training in field entrenchment, and steps have been taken to ensure that all troops receive adequate training in this branch of work before being embarked for service on the Continent.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question whether they have got sufficient equipment?

Mr. TENNANT

If they have not got it, they are getting it as fast as possible.

76. Mr. BRIDGEMAN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the number of places marked out of bounds in the manœuvre areas and other training centres impair the practical value of training for war by excluding woods, golf links, football grounds, etc.; and if he will consider the advisability of giving a general War Office order that troops must avoid all possible damage of property and especially to growing crops?

Mr. TENNANT

In the instructions woods are allowed to be used and there is no mention of either golf links or football grounds being excluded. The instructions do enjoin that crops and tillage should be treated with the utmost respect and farmers with all possible consideration. Troops are forbidden to pass through uncut corn and over sown land.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Would it not be possible to do away with all "out-of-bounds" orders and simply rely on a general order not to damage property?

Mr. TENNANT

There would be no great advantage in that course. Certain things are excluded.