HC Deb 24 May 1900 vol 83 cc1093-4
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether huts for wounded soldiers at Netley were made in Berlin, Denmark, and Russia; and, if so, will he explain why they were not made either in England, Ireland, or Scotland.

* MR. J. POWELL - WILLIAMS (for Mr. WYNDHAJI)

It was essential to obtain huts with the greatest possible despatch, and they were obtained from the German Red Cross Society because they could be supplied immediately. I may add that at Aldershot, Woolwich, and Devonport a large number of huts have been erected by English firms.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Are we to understand that all the huts in use for the wounded soldiers at Netley were made either in Russia, Germany, or Denmark, and that not one was made in the United Kingdom?

* MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS

That is so in regard to Netley, for two reasons —namely, that time was of the greatest possible consequence; and that it was thought desirable by the authorities to supply a new pattern of hut. In all other cases the huts were supplied by home firms.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Can the hon. Gentleman point out how it is that time was saved by sending to Russia instead of getting the huts in the United Kingdom?

CAPTAIN- DONELAN (Cork, E.)

Were tenders invited from Ireland?

[No answer was given.]