§ 19. Mr. MACPHERSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is now contemplated to equip Highland soldiers with the full dress of their respective regiments?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSNo, Sir; as I have already stated, the general re-introduction of full dress is impracticable at present owing to the expense. The Highland regiments are not worse off in the matter than other line regiments.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIs it not a fact that recruiting in this country is carried on on the voluntary system, and that any concession to traditional sentiment is a great aid to that recruiting; and would not the amount represented by the free grant of ammunition and guns to the Free State fully equip many times over our gallant, loyal Highland regiments?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSThe considerations advanced by the right hon. Gentleman apply equally to all regiments as an argument for the issue of full dress, and I would point out that the Highland regiments have already the advantage of possessing a more picturesque dress than the rest of the Army.