§ MR. BROOKFIELD (Sussex, Rye)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is the case that the wooden water-bottles at present issued to the Infantry are manufactured in Turin; and, if so, whether he will consider the expediency of causing this article of equipment to be constructed at home?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)These wooden water-bottles were procured from Italy because they could not be produced at anything like the same price in this country. I am told that they are made of wood grown in Italy, which is not to be found in any sufficient quantity in this country.
§ MR. HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)asked, whether it would not be 75 possible to import the raw material rather than the water-bottles in a manufactured state?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEI will undertake, before any new contract is made, that the whole subject shall be inquired into.