§ 22. Brigadier-General SPEARSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is a Command Order that troops in the Aldershot Command must wear steel helmets during training; and, if so, whether, considering that this order entails very considerable physical discomfort to the troops, he will consider recommending the discontinuance of this order?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSThe Command Order lays down that helmets will be worn for field training when ordered. Discretion is given to the unit commander to cancel the use of helmets on long or hot days. For obvious reasons helmets must be used for range practices. I am not prepared to recommend that the order should be varied. The military authorities are fully alive to the neces- 202 sity of securing the comfort of the troops by all legitimate means, and it would be no kindness to the soldier not to train him to carry the equipment designed for his protection on active service.
§ Brigadier-General SPEARSIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that during the recent hot spell troops marched for over 20 miles with steel helmets on their heads?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSIt is left to the unit commander. Obviously, in this hot weather, light apparel would be more comfortable than military uniform, but it is necessary that the troops, within due limits, should be trained under conditions of active service.
§ Brigadier-General SPEARSOn active service troops never wear steel helmets.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter of argument.