§ CAPTAIN PIRIE (Aberdeen, N.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether, as regulars have been, and in all probability will be, for some months encamped at Aldershot in what is practically a standing camp, he will consider the advisability of drawing the attention of the medical authority to the necessity of recommending the general officer commanding to make requisition for these troops being supplied with tent floor-boards, in place of their providing themselves at their own expense with these boards, as in many instances they are doing at present?
§ * MR. BRODRICKThe Secretary of State has every confidence in the discretion of the general officer commanding, who has power to move in this matter if he thinks right.
§ CAPTAIN PIRIEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the men provide these from their own funds?
§ * MR. BRODRICKNo, I am not aware of that. I think the hon. and gallant Member, as a military man, must be aware that it is not desirable for the Department to interfere except at the desire of the commanding officer.
§ CAPTAIN PIRIEQuite so, but I will take an opportunity of pointing out that payments are now made from the canteen fund.