§ MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he will lay upon the Table any information as to the durability, cost, and usefulness of coir, jute, or other fibre for bedding in the Army at Home or in India, and especially as to its cost, on a term of 10 years, compared with straw; and, whether it is true that the use of fibre for bedding would secure a large annual saving?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, WAR DEPARTMENT (Mr. BRODRICK) (Surrey, Guildford)(who replied) said: I can only repeat the reply made to the hon. Member by the Secretary of State on the 14th of February. Trials have been made with coir and also with New Zealand hemp; but the result was that the bedding was found less satisfactory to the soldiers, and rather more expensive to the Government, than paillasse straw. Further, the adoption of either material would involve a very large initial outlay for loose covers.