§ MR. BUCHANAN (Aberdeenshire, East)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether the British troops have been sent back from the Mooi river to Ladysmith, and what steps have been taken to improve the water supply and sanitary condition of the accommodation at Ladysmith.
§ *MP. WYNDHAMThese troops had been under canvas at an elevation of some 772 5,000ft. during the hot weather; they were moved hack into huts at Ladysmith on the approach of the cold weather, when enteric fever is not prevalent. Fifty-three thousand pounds has been spent on improving the accommodation at Ladysmith, and the general officer commanding has been instructed to postpone other services in order to apply the largest possible sum to sanitary requirements at that station.
§ MR.BUCHANANHave they, then, been brought back to the same unhealthy quarters and huts from which they were removed in February?
§ *MR. WYNDHAMYes, but a large portion of this £53,000 has been spent on improving the sanitary condition of these very quarters, and the result of the expenditure will be reaped this year.