§ MR. KNATCHBULL-HUGESSEN (Kent, Faversham)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the number of soldiers quartered in the barracks at Sheerness is considerably below the number for which accommodation is provided, and below the number usually stationed there; and whether, as this circumstance acts most prejudicially to the trade of the town, he will take steps to largely augment the force now doing duty there?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI am afraid that the strength of a garrison must depend on the duties required from it, and not upon the effect it may have upon the local trade. The works at Sheerness require two companies of garrison artillery, and that force is maintained there. Some years ago a, depot was stationed at Sheerness, but it is not now required.