HC Deb 23 February 1893 vol 9 c171
CAPTAIN NAYLOR - LEYLAND (Colchester)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if it is the intention of the Government to rebuild the whole of the Infantry Camp at Colchester this year; if it is not their intention, are they aware that the huts are wooden, that they were put up as temporary structures at the time of the Crimean War, and that they are totally unfit for human habitation in the winter time; and in any re-building of the Camp at Colchester, the barracks, or any military building, will the Government undertake that resident builders alone shall be employed?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

It is not intended to re-build this year the whole Camp at Colchester, but plans are under consideration for re-constructing the lines for one Infantry Battalion. I am aware that the huts are old, but I have no information to the effect that they are unfit for habitation at any time of the year. They will be replaced by degrees. In any re-building tenders will be called for in the usual way, but the competition would not be restricted to local contractors.