HC Deb 12 May 1915 vol 71 cc1654-5
9. Sir WILLIAM BULL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can see his way to lend for drilling purposes to the numerous Volunteer Corps who have been affiliated and inspected by the War Office some of the obsolete rifles, side-arms and bayonets now stored at the Tower of London and elsewhere?

Mr. TENNANT

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 29th ultimo to the hon. Member for the New Forest Division.

23. Sir W. BULL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Secretary of State for War will reconsider the refusal made by him to the Central Association of Volunteer Training Corps to permit such railway companies as are willing to issue cheap tickets for drill and training to Volunteer Corps, seeing that many Volunteers are of the working class and have already made sacrifices in providing themselves with uniform and equipment without any assistance from the Government, and seeing that railway companies are permitted to issue cheap tickets for race meetings?

Mr. TENNANT

The cost of this concession would, in present circumstances, fall on public funds, and the recognition of Volunteer Training Corps by the Army Council was based upon the understanding that no burden should be laid upon public funds. No cheap tickets are now issued for race meetings; an enhanced fare is not infrequently charged.