HC Deb 14 August 1907 vol 180 cc1294-5
VISCOUNT TURNOUR

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War on what date it is proposed to move the 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys) from Tidworth to Bulford; and for how long a period they will be stationed at the latter camp.

I beg also to ask the Secretary of State for War whether sufficient accommodation exists at Bulford mounted infantry camp for the whole of the personnel and horses of the 2nd Dragoons.

MR. HALDANE

As regards these Questions there is no intention of moving this regiment to Bulford.

VISCOUNT TURNOUR

Are we to understand that the regiment is to remain at Tidworth throughout the winter? Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware that on a former occasion he informed me that, if the barracks were not completed before the winter, the regiment would be temporarily removed?

MR. HALDANE

The noble Lord is to understand nothing of the kind. The horses will go to Bulford, if the stables are not ready in time. There is plenty of accommodation at Tidworth for the men. I must add that I am surprised at the number of Questions put to me about this matter. I know the gallant officers and men of the Scots Greys, and do not for a moment suppose they are so effeminate—[Laughter, which drowned the end of the sentence].

VISCOUNT TURNOUR

I am very much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for his comment upon my Question. Is he aware that the distance from Tidworth to Bulford is five miles; and how does he suppose the squadron leaders are going to look after the men with the horses at Bulford during the winter months when they themselves are stationed at Tidworth?

MR. HALDANE

They will have to suffer a little inconvenience. At the urgent request of the hon. Gentleman and other Members, we moved this regiment from Piershill because the barracks were not sufficient and not sanitary. Necessarily this involved a little time before arrangements could be made under circumstances of great pressure. I am sure the regiment would be themselves the last to complain.

MR. ASHLEY

Do we understand that the regiment is to be quartered five miles away from their horses during the winter?

MR. HALDANE

You are to understand that; and the soldiers are thankful that they have not to put up with worse hardships.

VISCOUNT TURNOUR

asked what arrangements the War Office proposed to make for the horses to be looked after at Bulford during the night? Were the men to sleep in huts or tents?

MR. HALDANE

There is abundance of houses at Bulford.