Mr. A. T. DAVIESasked the Secretary of State for War whether firing parties at the funerals of discharged and deceased soldiers and sailors have recently been discontinued; and whether this has been done in the interests of economy?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSON:Subject to the exigencies of the Service and to troops being within reasonable marching distance, firing parties are provided free at the funerals of ex-soldiers in cases where death is caused by wounds received in action or is attributable to a disability due to, or aggravated by, service during the late War. In other cases, military 1136W honours may be provided on the understanding that no expense falls upon public funds and that the exigencies of the Service permit.