§ LORD CHARLES BERESFORD (York)I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office why no official Report has been received as to the shocking condition of the boots of the English regiment now serving on the Nile; whether he will immediately take steps to obtain a full Report; whether he is aware that the boots supplied to this Egyptian and black regiments are far more durable than those supplied to the British regiment; and whether the War 802 Office will assure this House that they intend to take steps to ensure that the British regiments employed in the next campaign in the Soudan are booted as well as the men of the Egyptian Army?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.We have asked for a Report upon the boots worn by the British troops serving on the Nile, as compared with those worn by Egyptian troops, and as to any defects which the former have shown. Until this Report is received I cannot answer the Questions of my hon. and gallant. Friend, but I will let him know when I am able to do so.