§ MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he is aware that jute fibre beds are used for the Indian Army; whether, as compared with the straw beds in use for the British Army, which require very frequent renewal, the adoption of similar fibre beds would involve a very large saving in expenditure; whether such fibre beds have been tried in this country, and whether, after eight months' trial, the War Office pronounced the experiment so far successful, and stated that the men were well pleased with the material; and, whether straw is still used for soldiers' beds, and why?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)I am informed that jute fibre is not used as a bedding material in the Indian Army. As regards the British Army, other considerations are involved besides the mere cost of the material for filling the beds; and, taking all things 372 into account, it is considered that the substitution of jute for straw would not lead to economy. Jute fibre has been tried in this country, and, on the question of comfort, it was favourably reported on at first; but subsequent Reports have been adverse to its employment. Straw is still generally used, because it is considered the cleanest and, all circumstances taken into account, the most convenient material for the purpose.