HC Deb 06 May 1898 vol 57 cc528-30
MR. WANKLYN (Bradford, Central)

On behalf of my honourable and gallant Friend the Member for York, I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he has now received the Report as to the condition of the boots of the English regiments serving on the Nile; whether he has received any answer from the Sirdar relative to the boots used by the Egyptians; and, if so, of what nature; whether he proposes to make any change in the boots of the English regiments in the next campaign; and when will he be able to place specimens of the British and Egyptian Army boot in the Smoking Room for Members to examine?

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.

The Sirdar telegraphs— I think it too late to get boots from India, and the British troops are now well supplied; heel and toe plates are being put on. I will keep a reserve of Egyptian Army boots handy, so as to supply any requirements later on. I will let you know (the) numbers I have available when I get the information. The General Officer Commanding reports— I would beg that all boots supplied are fitted with toe and heel plates fastened with screws. This will be attended to. I have specimens of the English and Egyptian boots in the House, and I will gladly remove them from my room to the Smoking Room.

MR. T. BAYLEY (Derbyshire, Chesterfield)

Were these boots made in England or—

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

In Germany?

MR. BAYLEY

No; or in India?

MR. POWELL WILLIAMS

Which boots does the honourable Member mean?

MR. BAYLEY

I want to know whether these boots that were supplied to the British troops were made in England or in India.

MR. POWELL WILLIAMS

The boots supplied to the British troops in Egypt were made in England, in Northamptonshire. The boots supplied to the Egyptian Army were Indian boots made in Cawnpore.

MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)

Do I gather that these objectionable boots were made in Northampton?

MR. POWELL WILLIAMS

Yes; some very peculiar results come from Northampton.

MR. LABOUCHERE

Were these boots among the peculiar results? That is what I want to know.

MR. POWELL WILLIAMS

I should very strongly object, in the interests of the honourable Member's constituency, to use the term "objectionable" as applied to these boots.

MR. WEIR

Will these boots be placed in the Smoking Room, in order that Members may have an opportunity of inspecting them, and ascertaining why iron tips and heel-plates should have to be put on?

MR. MACNEILL

Can we try them on?

MR. POWELL WILLIAMS

These boots will be placed in the Smoking Room as soon as I am able to leave the House.