§ CAPTAIN M'CALMONT (Antrim, E.)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the proposed concentration of troops for summer drills at the Curragh has been abandoned owing to failure in the water supply; whether considerable expense has recently been incurred in making a reservoir for an adequate 566 supply of water; in what respect it has been found incapable; who were the contractors employed; and, whether extra precautions will be taken to prevent similar waste of public money in future?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)Any large concentration of troops at the Curragh has had to be abandoned because of the scarcity of water. This, however, is not in consequence of any failure on the part of the new reservoir; but since last year's drought there has not been water enough in the well to allow of any being pumped into the reservoir, and the water stands at six inches where it should stand at 15 feet. Efforts are being made to increase the water supply. My hon. and gallant Friend will, therefore, see that there has been no waste of public money.