§ Mr. Saltasked the Secretary of State for War how soon he can provide rifles and uniforms to men who have enrolled in the new body of Local Defence 331W Volunteers; and whether arrangements can be set up for these men to obtain rifle practice with the least possible delay?
§ Lieut.-Commander Tufnellasked the Secretary of State for War the measures now being taken to ensure that every volunteer enrolled in the Local Defence Corps who has a rifle with ammunition allotted to him is familiar with the use of the weapon; and where this is not the case, what steps are being taken to give him the necessary training?
§ Captain Anstruther-Grayasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will order local parades forthwith of all enlisted Local Defence Volunteers, instructing all who can to bring suitable firearms of any reasonable description, and that in the absence of appointed leaders Lord-Lieutenants and Deputy Lieutenants should be called upon to play a part?
§ Mr. LawRifles, denim overalls and caps are available in considerable quantities, and armlets are being provided to meet cases where uniform is not available. Persons who possess rifles and shot guns should hand them in at local police stations, or bring them with them when they are enrolled. The issue of rifles and guns will be confined, in the first place, to those who have experience in handling them. Others will be given instruction, and all available sources, such as rifle clubs, are being asked to co-operate for this purpose. Lord-Lieutenants and Deputy Lieutenants have been invited to render assistance, and are doing so.