§ Mr. CROFTasked the Secretary of State for War, what percentage of the Territorial infantry failed to pass the standard test in shooting?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe number of men tested was 153,445, of whom 103,486 qualiged. The percentage of failures, therefore, amounted to 32 per cent.
§ Mr. CROFTasked the Secretary of State for War, what is the present establishment and strength of the Territorial cavalry, artillery, and infantry?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe figures for 1st February are as follows:—
Establishment. Strength. Officers. N.C.O's. and Men. Officers. N.C.O's. and Men. Cavalry 1,345 24,766 … 1,201 23,702 Artillery 1,657 44,299 … 1,409 37,957 Infantry 5,679 195,297 … 5,002 165,878
§ Mr. CROFTasked the Secretary of State for War what percentage of the Territorial infantry attended camp for the minimum training of one week; how many for the full fortnight; and how many did not attend camp at all?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe figures are as follows:—
Officers. N. C. O's. and Men. 8 to 15 days 14.30 33.36 15 days and over 70.44 56.80 Less than 8 days .69 .11 Absent with and without leave 14.57 9.73
§ Mr. HUNTasked the Secretary of State for War what is the minimum number of rounds which a private soldier in the Territorial Army, who is not a recruit, must 573W fire with the military rifle to pass the standard test of shooting; at what distances must they be fired, and is it a necessity that the target shall be hit at all; and, if 80, how many times out of the necessary minimum number of rounds?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe information required is as follows:—
Twenty-three rounds of ammunition must be fired at the following distances:—
(i.) 5 rounds at 100 yards Lying. (ii.) 5 rounds at 200 yards Lying, taking cover, Five seconds for each shot. (iii.) 5 rounds at 500 yards Lying, taking cover. (iv.) 8 rounds at 300 yards Lying. One minute allowed. Chamber and magazine to be empty until the command "Rapid fire" is given. Grouping standard for above practices:
Those who obtain thirty points are classified as having reached the "qualification standard."
- (i.) 4 shots in 12 inch ring.
- (ii.) Five hits on target.
- (iii.) Five hits on target.
- (iv.) Six hits on target.
§ Mr. HUNTasked the Secretary of State for War what number of rounds are allowed a recruit of the Territorial Army for shooting with the military rifle at the new 30-yard ranges now about to be used in the country; what is the number of rounds with the military rifle which a recruit must fire with the military rifle in order to pass the standard test in shooting; is there any rule that the rounds must be shot at certain stated distances, or may they all be shot at 30 yards; is it necessary for a recruit in order to pass the standard test in shooting to hit the target at all with the military rifle; and, if so, how many times must the target be hit out of the necessary minimum number of rounds?
§ Mr. HALDANENinety rounds of ammunition are allowed per annum, all of which may be fired, subject to the discretion of the commanding officer, at thirty yards' range. The standard test for recruits must be carried out on an open range and not on thirty yards ranges, but in cases where recruits are not considered competent to fire on an open range, or574W where congestion exists owing to lack of range accommodation, they may fire for classification on thirty yards' ranges provided that not less than fifty rounds of ball ammunition have been expended during the year. The conditions of the standard test are as follows: Twenty rounds of ammunition must be fired at the following distances at open ranges only:—
- (i.) 5 rounds at 100 yards lying.
- (ii.) 5 rounds at 200 yards lying.
- (iii.) 5 rounds at 300 yards lying.
- (iv.) 5 rounds at 500 yards lying with rest.
at which the following hits are required—
(i.) 4 shots in 12 inch ring. (ii.) 5 hits and minimum score of 14 points. (iii.) Those who satisfy the standards and score fifty are classified as having reached the qualifying standard.