§ MR. JEFFREYSI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether the Secretary of State for War in October, 1896, ordered a Committee to consider the question of the clothing of the soldiers; and whether any steps have been taken to carry out the recommendations of the Committee, consisting of Sir James Alleyne and three colonels of regiments, which reported that the scale of Government issue of several articles of clothing, including boots and trousers, was insufficient?
§ MR. BRODRICKThe Question probably refers to an informal inquiry instituted in October, 1896, to consider the question of the clothing of the soldiers. A circular letter was sent to the General Officers Commanding Aldershot District and Ireland, asking for information in regard to the amount paid and compen- 361 sation received by soldiers on account of their clothing. The most important recommendation contained in the reports, which dealt with compensation for troops engaged at manœuvres, was immediately adopted.