§ VISCOUNT TURNOURI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, owing to insufficient barrack accommodation at Tidworth, some of the junior officers of the 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys) have been compelled to sleep in tents; and whether he proposes to take steps to remedy this state of affairs before the winter.
§ MR. HALDANEThere is nothing unusual in officers or others being placed under canvas during the camping season owing to lack of barrack accommodation, and when it is more convenient than having recourse to the lodging list of billets. These officers will not be kept under canvas during the winter months in contravention of the King's Regulations.
§ VISCOUNT TURNOURasked where it was proposed to put these officers.
§ MR. HALDANEI do not think we need trouble ourselves very much about that. They will go through the usual healthy discipline.
§ VISCOUNT TURNOURpressing for an answer,
§ MR. HALDANEsaid those officers would be under canvas.
§ VISCOUNT TURNOURI referred to the winter.
§ MR. HALDANEI am not talking now of the winter.
§ VISCOUNT TURNOURThen will the-right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my Question?
§ MR. HALDANEI do not think the officers of the Scots Greys, which is a gallant regiment and likes to take its share of camping hardships, will thank the noble Lord for his interference.
§ MR. ASHLEY (Lancashire, Blackpool)When do the winter months officially begin?
§ MR. HALDANEThe hon. Member seems to think there is no accommodation for officers and men at Tidworth. There is very large accommodation. What is wanted is not accommodation for officers, but stables.
§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY (St. Andrews Burghs)Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us where these officers are to be accommodated?
§ MR. HALDANEIn the open air under tents.
§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAYIn the winter I mean.
§ MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)Can the right hon. Gentleman supply cots or cradles for officers of the type of the noble Lord?
§ [No Answer was returned.]