HC Deb 05 September 1893 vol 17 cc106-8
SIR W. HART DYKE (Kent, Dartford)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if it is true that the insanitary condition of the drains at Windsor Cavalry Barracks has been reported several times during the last two years; whether, since December last, three very strong Reports condemning the whole system of drainage have been presented by War Office officials; whether the sum so urgently demanded to put the barracks in a secure sanitary condition has been struck out of the Estimates for 1893–4; whether, during the last few weeks, an expert from the War Office has been sent down who has ordered small temporary repairs, leaving untouched the deeper drainage, the real seat of the mischief; and whether, in spite of these Reports, and the urgent representations of the medical officer in charge, it is intended to allow the regiment now quartered in these barracks to remain on a spot so condemned as dangerous for at least seven months longer, before any radical alterations are made?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN,) Stirling, &c.

Several Reports have been received on the drainage of the Cavalry Barracks at Windsor. The first, from the General Officer commanding, complaining of the system, was received in December, 1892. Two others were received from him on July 26 and August 23, 1893. When the Estimates were considered the first Report of the General Officer commanding of December 8 only had been received. Two have been received from the War Office Sanitary Inspector, one dated August 1 and the other August 29. The system of drainage appears to be old-fashioned and bad in principle, but the health of the troops has not in any way suffered. The Sanitary Inspector, who in his inspection used the smoke test, states— I found no direct escape of gas from the drains into the building, but the bad smells are sufficiently accounted for by the proximity of filthy latrines and numerous escapes of lighting gas within the building. It is probably unnecessary to explain that small escapes of gas, undetectable by a light, are often the cause of smells closely resembling those from drains. In this case, from the evidence of persons living in the building, I am convinced that many of the complaints have been due to the escape of gas which occurs in several parts of the building, After recommending certain alterations and repairs, which are now being effected, he states that he cannot help thinking that hitherto the smells have been rather offensive than dangerous, and that when the above-mentioned alterations have been made the air of the officers' house will cease to be offensive, and that no special steps need to be taken till the drainage comes to be reconstructed in due course. The plan of reconstruction of the drainage system is being considered, and the question of the occupation of the barracks is under the consideration of the military and medical authorities.

SIR W. HART DYKE

This is a matter involving life and death, and therefore I hope the right hon. Gentleman will excuse me if I appear to be pertinacious. It is in the officers' quarters that the old and miserable drains terminate in a cesspool. Do the Government propose to put an end to the danger that arises from this system of drainage, or to allow it to continue?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

The whole system of drainage at the barracks in question is under consideration. The evil smells complained of are only perceived in the officers' quarters, and what call be done to put an end to them will be done at once.