§ 85. Mr. ASHLEYasked the Secretary of State for War why only two chargers are now allowed to reserve battalions of the Territorial Force, one for the commanding officer and one for the adjutant; how it is possible for the second-in-command and company officers to superintend, when dismounted, training scattered over a wide area; and, in view of the fact that many of these officers have been wounded or invalided home from abroad, will he take steps to provide horses so that the training of drafts urgently needed may bo properly carried out?
§ Mr. FORSTERMy hon. Friend does not state the Regulation correctly; a horse is allowed to a Regular or Territorial Force reserve battalion for the senior major as well as for the officer commanding and for the adjutant. He is correct in supposing that a horse is not allowed for a company officer. The matter has been fully considered, and as the demand for horses for the fighting units is heavy, and as draft-finding units do not have to carry out any wide spreading operations, it has been decided to revise the horse establishments in the manner stated.
§ Mr. ASHLEYI know of one Territorial officer whose horse has been taken away. Would the hon. Gentleman state how it is possible for a company commander, who has a section of the range five miles away, and is doing company training, to perform his duties without a horse?
§ Mr. FORSTERThat is a matter rather for the military authorities than the Financial Secretary.