§ MR. W. EWARTsaid, he would beg to inquire of the Under Secretary of State for War, What steps have been taken, or are about to be taken, to enable soldiers in camp (or elsewhere, where it is possible) to employ themselves in the cultivation of gardens?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON, in reply, said, he had very little to add to, and he did not think he had anything to retract in, the answer which he gave to the hon. Gentleman on this question some time since. He then stated that his noble Friend (Earl de Grey.) had every disposition to afford facilities to soldiers desiring to employ themselves in the cultivation of gardens, and that a commencement had been made in the matter, and would be extended as much as possible. The Horse Guards had received a Report from the officer commanding the Artillery at Alder-shot, that two batteries of Artillery had been for some time cultivating ground ns gardens, and that the very best results had followed. Occupation had been afforded to the men, and their comfort also greatly increased by the production of vegetables for their mess. The land had also been allotted for that purpose for the Military Train at Aldershot, but owing to a question having arisen as to the payment of rates by the soldiers, it had not yet been cultivated. At Warley three acres had been allotted for that object. In the southeastern division, in the neighbourhood of Brighton and Dover, some of the troops had had allotments made to them. In Woolwich also some allotments were in existence, and more were being provided. At Colchester arrangements of a similar nature were in progress. No general rule could be laid down on that subject, and each case must be dealt with as it arose. In some places land was easily procured, and in others not so readily; and it became a question, of course, whether the soldiers were not to pay rent for land taken out of 876 occupation; but he could assure the hon. Member that every representation made by the Generals commanding at the different stations would be taken into consideration by the War Office, and that every disposition existed to encourage this system.