§ 42. Brigadier-General Sir Ernest Makinsasked the Secretary of State for War, how many Members of both Houses of Parliament and others availed themselves of the opportunity of seeing the modern weapons and equipment at Aldershot on Wednesday, 22nd February?
§ Sir V. Warrender160 Members of both Houses of Parliament accepted the invitation. Altogether there were about 200 persons present.
§ Sir E. MakinsWill the hon. Gentleman ask the Secretary of State to convey to the General Officer Commanding at Aldershot and to all ranks our deep appreciation of all the arrangements which were made for our convenience and all the courtesy which was shown to us during our visit?
§ Mr. GallacherI should like to ask the Minister whether it would not be more sensible if ⁁—
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is not a proper supplementary question.
§ Sir V. WarrenderMay I tell my hon. and gallant Friend that my right hon. Friend will, I am sure, pass on that expression of thanks with great pleasure. As a matter of fact, steps have already been taken to convey an expression of appreciation on the same lines to the military authorities at Aldershot.
§ Mr. LawsonWhile agreeing that hon. Members were very well satisfied with what they saw, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman can guarantee that there is a sufficient supply of all the equipment for the service of the troops?
§ Sir V. WarrenderAs the hon. Member knows, much of the equipment which was shown to Members of this House was 1069 the very latest equipment, and, that being so, it cannot be expected, obviously, that it should be issued to the fullest extent at the present time. Except for those items which are on the newest list, production is going along very well.
§ Mr. MathersIs the War Office aware of the desire of members of the public to have some access to the information and to see the equipment that was shown to Members of Parliament, and is consideration being given to that aspect of the matter?
§ Sir William DavisonWill foreign nations also be kept informed?