§ MAJOR RASCH (Essex, S.E.)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the statement in The Times of February 1st, relative to the garrisons of the Thames forts, is correct?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)In time of peace only sufficient men are retained in the Thames forts to take care of the stores and guns; but behind them are the garrisons of Woolwich, Chatham, and the Home District, which would hold these forts in case of alarm; and in the general scheme for the defence of the country detailed provision has been made for the necessary garrison for each fort.