§ MR. LAURIEsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary for War what steps are to be taken to remedy the great Mortality of the Army, especially of the Foot Guards, the Report of the Commissioners recently presented proving that two-thirds of the deaths are from consumption and other diseases in consequence of the crowded state of the barracks of the Metropolis.
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONMy noble Friend at the head of the War Department being quite aware of the great defects in the arrangements of the existing barracks and hospitals, and thinking that improvements might be made therein greatly to the benefit of the soldiers, has recommended the appointment of a Commission to inquire into the subject. That Commission, at the head of which was my right hon. Friend the Member for South Wiltshire, has made a very valuable Report, which is now in the hands of the printer, and will shortly be laid before the House, but the time since its presentation has been so short that the Government have not yet come to any determination respecting the stop to be taken. The matter is, however, too important and too interesting to the country to be allowed to remain without due attention.