§ 23. Major GLYNasked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether there is a fully sufficient supply of small arms ammunition, machine guns and other material available for the training branch of the General Staff to issue for the use of all arms; whether commanding officers are experiencing difficulty in obtaining such stores, material, and equipment to enable them to efficiently and rapidly train the troops under their command; and whether he can take steps to ensure that the Ministry of Munitions Disposals Board do not sell any such material that is required for training purposes until it is clearly proved to be surplus to requirements?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAt present there is a large surplus of all the stores mentioned and there is no difficulty in meeting the 1017 demands of commanding officers for equipment necessary for training. With regard to the last part of the question, steps have already been taken to ensure that the Disposal Board do not part with any such material that could be utilised eventually to meet possible demands.
§ Major GLYNWill the right hon. Gentleman cause inquiries to be made and find out where the hitch is, seeing that many commanding officers cannot get the necessary equipment for training?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give me any such instances, I will make inquiry.