§ MR. CLAYsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, Whether any information has been received respecting the excessive demand for, and consequent high price of, provisions and accommodation at Bermuda; and, if so, whether Her Majesty's Government intend to make a Colonial allowance for Officers on duty in that island?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONsaid, in reply, that the Colonial allowances were not made by the Government, but in almost all cases by the Colonies themselves out of the Colonial funds. In this case the Government had received an application from officers in command of troops at Bermuda for increased allowances in consequence of the high rates of provisions. From a comparison of the contract rate of provisions at this station and elsewhere in the West Indies and at home, it did not appear that the rate by any means was excessive. The indulgence had, however, been granted to the officers to draw rations, or rather provisions, for their wives and families at contract prices. But it was not considered that a case had been made out for any extra allowances owing to the high rate of accommodation. He believed that accommodation had become very dear, but nearly all the officers were provided with quarters.