§ MR. LEES (Oldham)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many of the men of the Edinburgh Artillery Militia now under canvas at Barry Links, Forfarshire, are unprovided with great coats; whether many of them are also unprovided with straw for bedding, but are only allowed two blankets apiece; whether these men have suffered considerably from the coldness of the nights; and whether he will instruct the proper authorities to supply them with great coats and bedding, or additional blankets?
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. BRODBICK,) Surrey, GuildfordThe General Officer commanding reports that 20 great coats were deficient. A demand for these was received at the Army Clothing Depôt on the 9th, and they were sent on the following day. The tents were for four nights unsupplied with straw, through some mistake, although the straw was at hand; but the men have had their regulation supply of blankets and waterproof sheets, and no complaints were made to the General commanding.