§ MR. MARJORIBANKS (Berwickshire)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether it is a fact that orders have been given to transfer the depot of the 1st Brigade, Scottish Division, Royal Artillery, from Leith Fort to Dunbar, thereby depriving the Artillery of the quarters which it has occupied since 1855, when Lord Lauderdale's house at Dunbar was acquired for its occupation; whether this has been done in face of the strongest representations from the officer commanding the 2nd Brigade, Scottish Division, Royal Artillery, supported by the most influential remonstrances from the counties of East Lothian, Berwickshire, Linlithgowshire, and Peebleshire; whether he is aware that the 2nd Brigade, Scottish Division, Royal Artillery, is one of the few Militia regiments that has of recent years been able to maintain its established strength; that the occupation of these quarters has been greatly instrumental in making the 2nd Brigade the numerous and efficient body it now is, and that its removal from them will seriously damage the discipline and recruiting of the Brigade; and, whether, before allowing such a step to be taken, he will refer the whole subject for inquiry and decision to the Committee now sitting at the War Office to inquire into the deplorable falling off in numbers of the Militia under their present organization?
§ * THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. E. STANHOPE,) Lincolnshire, HorncastleThis matter is now under consideration at the War Office; and I shall be very glad indeed if it is found possible to meet the wishes of the localities interested.