THE EARL OF LIMERICKasked the Under Secretary of State for War, Whether paragraphs 883. and 885. of Militia Regulations, 1880, authorising the issue of serge or tartan trousers to Militia recruits for wear during preliminary drill have been cancelled; and, if so, for what reason? He urged that the clothing of the Militia was scarcely sufficient for the actual wants of the men at present. He had himself hesitated before taking his men through the town in consequence of the back seam of their trousers being split, and he trusted no diminution of the clothing would be permitted.
THE EAEL OF MORLEYsaid, the reason for the change was that serge was found, at certain seasons of the year, to be extremely cold. That material having been abolished in the Army, it was thought desirable to abolish it likewise in the Militia. Tweed had been substituted for serge; and the change, which was recommended by commanding officers, had, he believed, met with general approval. Tweed trousers were issued to last for four trainings, and the serge trousers hitherto issued to recruits only lasted for their preliminary drill. In future the serge trousers would be issued for recruits; and, as regarded the wear of these trousers, the preliminary drill would in all cases be reckoned as a training.