§ Mr. BIRDasked the Secretary of State for War why the Territorial Forces are being largely equipped with enamelled water bottles of German manufacture, seeing that our regular Army is entirely equipped with bottles of British make?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe provision of water bottles rests entirely with the county associations and not with the War Office.
§ Mr. MOUNTasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in various localities the Territorial Forces were unable to take any part in the recent Proclamation of His Majesty as King; and whether, in view of the disappointment caused by this disability, he will see that in the future full opportunity shall be given to the Territorial Forces to take part in all national public ceremonies?
§ Mr. HALDANEI am aware of one or two cases in which the notification of the change in the orders enabling Territorial troops to take part in the ceremonial of the Proclamation arrived, unfortunately, too late. There is no objection to Territorial troops taking part in any local celebrations of national public ceremonies, provided that they volunteer and that no expense is incurred by public or association funds. It must be remembered that it would not be practicable to give all Territorial units facilities for taking part in ceremonies which take place in the capital.