§ 31. Major NALLasked the Secretary of State for War what is the ration strength in officers and other ranks and horses of the Royal Artillery Biding Establishment at Weedon; why it is necessary to maintain this new establishment in addition to the riding establishment at Woolwich; and whether it is used chiefly for instructional purposes or as a hunting centre?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe ration strength on the 14th instant was twenty-seven officers and 245 other ranks, of whom a number are under instruction. There are 244 horses. The branch at Weedon is required to train officers and non-commissioned officers as instructors in equitation for the Royal Artillery. The branch at Woolwich, which is unsuitable for this 794 purpose, is required to teach the Cadets at the Royal Military Academy to ride. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Major NALLIs not the establishment additional to pre-war establishment?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLConsidering that we are engaged in making an Army and training an entirely new professional Artillery to replace the conscripted Artillery, we must have some facilities in the matter of training establishments.