§ LORD ARTHUR HILLasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is a fact that, at an examination in tactics for Officers of the Auxiliary Forces, held in January last at Chelsea Barracks, Officers were directed to bring their own pens, ink, and blotting paper; whether it is a fact that no arrangements for the examination had been made; whether the Officers were kept waiting in the barrack yard for more than an hour; and, whether they were finally huddled into a cold building, which was without fire or any suitable arrangement?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONOn the occasion referred to officers were 50 required to bring pens and blotting-paper, but not ink. Arrangements for the examination had been made; but a misunderstanding arose as to the hour when the room would be required. As a result, the officers were kept waiting for 40 minutes, which time was not deducted from that allowed for the examination. During the interval the candidates were, it is believed, invited into the officers' quarters; and ultimately the examination took place in a room duly prepared, with fire, &c.
§ SIR HERBERT MAXWELLasked whether the noble Marquess could inform the House what amount of saving was effected by compelling the officers to provide their own stationery?
§ [No reply.]