HC Deb 19 July 1900 vol 86 cc462-3
MAJOR RASCH (Essex, S.E.)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for "War if he can state what number of men are detailed for guards and sentry-go in the metropolis in each twenty-four hours when the battalions and regiments are on home service, and what is the necessity, if any, of posting sentries over empty buildings and public offices when protection could be afforded by the police; and whether the sentry on the War Office was incapacitated by the heat on Tuesday.

* MR. WYNDHAM

There are five officers and 218 non-commissioned officers and men detailed for guards and sentry go in the metropolis. There are no sentries over empty buildings. The matter has been very thoroughly considered and the numbers in recent years have been largely reduced. The sentry on the War Office was unfortunately overcome by the heat on Monday.

MAJOR RASCH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a man in a tunic buttoned close up to his throat, and wearing a heavy busby, and carrying a rifle on a beat extending only ten yards, cannot be a very mobile protector?

[No answer was given.]