HC Deb 21 March 1892 vol 2 cc1333-4
MR. HANBURY (Preston)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to a speech by Lord Wolseley, reported in the Standard of 16th March, stating that— He could put his hand on many barracks in England and Ireland which were a crying disgrace to this great nation. They went on year after year using these barracks, knowing them to be abominable habitations for human beings. The fact had been reported for the last 50 years, but nothing had been done, except by the present Government, who had done a little; whether he can specify, or will call upon Lord Wolseley to specify, the particular barracks referred to; and whether the large amount now being expended on barracks will entirely, so far as can be foreseen, remove this state of things; and, if so, within what period of time?

MR. E. STANHOPE

When I saw the paragraph in question, I thought it contained some of those flowers of rhetoric which his fellow-countrymen occasionally employ. But, on referring to a fuller report of Lord Wolseley's speech, I find the paragraph very imperfectly represents what was really said. As regards barracks generally, I have given full information to the House, both as to the urgent cases requiring attention and as to the work that is being done. The amount now being expended on barracks both out of loan funds and out of annual Estimates, though it will not suffice to re-build all our barracks, will practically remove the evils specially brought to my notice.

MR. HANBURY

Yes, Sir; but I want to know whether barracks that are in an insanitary condition are being attended to, and whether no troops will be sent there until they are put into proper sanitary repair?

MR. E. STANHOPE

Yes, Sir; certainly.

SIR WILFRID LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)

Will the right hon. Gentleman find out what Lord Wolseley really did say?

MR. E. STANHOPE

The hon. Baronet has the same means of information on that point as I have.