§ 6. Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNasked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that orders have been issued to Territorial Force Field Artillery Brigades that they are allowed to train with horses, but on mobilisation are all to be mechanised, he will arrange for them to train in peace under the same conditions as those under which they would have to mobilise in case of war?
§ Mr. SHAWI assume that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the Army Field Brigades of the Territorial Army which will be mobilised on a mechanised basis. These brigades train on a mechanised basis in peace, except that 1599 the battery staffs may be horsed if the brigade commander thinks it desirable. I am advised that the training of the Territorials is in no way prejudiced by this latitude, one of the reasons for which is that the question of mechanising all battery staffs is still the subject of experiment in the Regular Army.
§ Major COLFOXWhat are the duties of a battery staff which make is necessary for them to be mounted?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI do not think that we can go into all these matters.
§ Lieut.-Colonel RUGGLES-BRISEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great advantage to some of these field brigades of having the right to retain horses for the battery staffs, and that it is the experience of many brigade commanders that it very materially helps recruiting?
§ Mr. SHAWMy answer already contains the definite statement that if the brigade commanders think it desirable, what the hon. and gallant. Member asks for is done.