§ MR. HANBURY TRACYsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is the intention of the Government to promulgate regulations for the employment of Soldiers in the trades which are connected with the supply of their clothing and subsistence, the stores required for their use, and the repair and construction of their dwellings; and, if so, when they will be issued?
§ MR. CARDWELLIn reply, Sir, to the hon. Member's Question I have to state that it has been decided to organize in each regiment a corps of artizans in lieu of the pioneers as at present constituted, who are to be exempt from ordinary fatigue duties. Permission has been given to regiments and corps to execute their own barrack damages; and soldiers will be employed as far as possible on the works of the War Depart- 886 ment. Tools have been issued to twenty-six regiments and corps, and a further sum is provided in the present Estimates. The scheme is expected to be self-supporting, and while it employs the soldier and adds to his pay, imposes no additional charge on the public. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge has appointed a committee of competent officers to draw up regulations, and they will be published very shortly.