MR. PAGETasked the Secretary of State for War, What steps Her Majesty's Government propose to take under 35 and 36 Vic., c. 68, with a view of relieving Counties from the expense of maintaining Militia Storehouses; and, whether the Government are prepared to purchase or to pay rent for Militia Storehouses now in use, or when they would place at the disposal of the Counties such Storehouses as are not required for Militia purposes?
MR. GATHORNE HARDY, in reply, said: Five storehouses at Brigade Head Quarters have been purchased—namely, Ayr, Bodmin, Canterbury, Chester, and Winchester; others will be purchased in cases where the construction, price, and available land justify 68 purchase. Otherwise they will be placed at the disposal of counties, as soon as other accomodation for the Militia can be provided; and until then the usual lodging allowance for the Militia Permanent Staff, will be paid to the counties. Militia storehouses other than those at the Brigade Head Quarters, will be hired from the counties at a rental of £30 each, when their sites are selected as those of outlying Militia regiments.