§ MR. MILLERsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, That, looking to the condition of some of the Admiralty stores, as described in this House by the Secretary to the Admiralty, whether any inspection of the stores for the use of the Army has been made since he came to his present office; and, if so, when; and whether he has any objection to state generally the condition in which they have been found; if not, whether it would not, in his opinion, be of importance to follow the example of the Admiralty and have the Army stores forthwith inspected, so that their condition may be ascertained?
§ MR. CARDWELL, in reply, said, periodical inspections of Army stores 966 were regularly held by officers specially appointed for that service, and the Reports carefully examined at the War Office. The last Annual Report was at the close of the financial year—namely, the 31st of March, 1870, and the result generally was, that the stores were in good condition, and fit for service. New stores were not purchased when these were already sufficient for use; obsolete and unserviceable stores were sold as the market suited. It would not be economical to force sales of surplus stores, which might afterwards have to be replaced at a higher price.