§ COLONEL LOCKWOOD (Essex, Epping)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if, in view of the finding of the jury at the inquest held on the deaths of James Rodgers and Richard Davis, privates in the South Wales Borderers, at Hilsea Barracks, on the 21st instant, he will order that men returning from hot climates should not be sent to such stations as Portsdown Hill, or other stations where they would be likely to be dangerously affected by the sudden change of climate, in such an unsheltered place?
§ * THE SECRETARY or STATE FOR WAR (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN,) Stirling, &c.When troops return from a hot climate they are retained for some time at a station on the South Coast. Portsmouth has always been considered very suitable for the purpose; but the posting to any particular barrack is left to the General Officer commanding, who has his principal medical officer to advise him if necessary. It has not been customary to put troops just lauded in the forts on the Ports down range, but at present it is rendered necessary in consequence of the rebuilding of some of the barracks in Portsmouth. Of the very regrettable occurrence to which this question refers, the deaths of James Rogers and Richard Davis, privates in the South Wales Borderers, at Hilsea Barracks, I am afraid there is no more to be said than that the storm was very sudden and unexpected and extraordinarily severe.
§ COLONEL LOCKWOODThe right hon. Gentleman is, of course, aware that these barracks are situated in a very exposed position?
§ * MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANYes; but at the time the regiment was sent there we had no reason to anticipate such very severe weather.