§ MR. CHARLES COLSTON (Gloucester, Thornbury)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, if he is aware that for the past two years and upwards the sewage from the Le Marchant Barracks, near Devizes, has, owing to a complete breakdown of the sewerage system provided there, been discharged in a crude state into the Kennett and Avon Canal about a mile from the town; and that the canal flows downwards from that point through the 448 town and supplies the water for a public bathing-place for the inhabitants; and whether, having regard to the serious danger to health, and the annoyance that has arisen, he will forthwith take such measures as are necessary to abate the nuisance?
§ * MR. BRODRICKThe measures contemplated in the reply made to my hon. Friend a year ago were duly carried out, but from the nature of the sub-soil and other circumstances they have not been successful. The case is not quite so bad as represented in the Question, for no actual sewage passes to the canal from the barracks where the latrines are on the dry-earth system. The general officer commanding has been given full authority to take any necessary measures, and no efforts will be spared to provide a full remedy for the existing admitted evil. The co-operation of the local authorities is needed, and has been invited.