§ MR. W. J. GALLOWAY () Manchester, S.W.I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, whether he can state why the Hulme Cavalry Barracks, Manchester, and the Regent's Road Barracks, Salford, are being dismantled of all the Military fixtures if the War Office have not as yet decided what is to be done with regard to the garrison in Manchester and Salford in the future; and whether he can say how soon the decision of the Military authorities with regard to Manchester and Salford will be made public?
§ * THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, GuildfordThere is no present question of demolishing or dismantling the Hulme Barracks which are now 1680 occupied by troops. The barracks at Salford have such unsatisfactory drainage that they cannot be occupied without very considerable re-construction. The question is before the Military authorities, and all the circumstances will be carefully weighed, some little delay will therefore occur before a decision is come to.
§ * SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)Will the question be considered on military apart from political grounds?
§ * MR. BRODRICKYes, Sir, certainly on military grounds.
In answer to a further question from Mr. GALLOWAY,
§ * MR. BRODRICKIf any decision is arrived at I will communicate to the hon. Member. The question must be decided before any money is expended on barracks.