§ 85. Major Sir BERTRAM FALLEasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a gun-carriage is no longer available for Army funerals, but that a wagon has been in many cases substituted for it; and if he will revert to the older practice?
§ Mr. WALSHIn answer to my hon. and gallant Friend, no change of practice has taken place. Gun-carriages are not in all cases available, but the rule laid down in paragraph 934 of the King's Regulations as regards the military funerals of officers and soldiers is that gun-carriages will be supplied when available at the station, and in addition a certain number of gun-carriages are in the possession of each command for stations where no Royal Artillery is quartered. Whether these carriages can be sent for a military funeral depends upon the distance involved and the circumstances of the death.
§ Sir B. FALLEI understand that when there happens to be a gun-carriage available the use of wagons is wrong?
§ Mr. WALSHIt all depends upon the circumstances. It may very well be that the circumstances are such that a gun-carriage would not be the proper appliance. Gun-carriages are supplied 1553 under circumstances which are definitely laid down in the King's Regulations, and no change has been made in them.