§ MR. ORR-EWING (Ayr Burghs)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether be is aware that the private funds from which invalided soldiers returning home from South Africa have been supplied throughout the campaign with greatcoats and warm clothing are now exhausted, and that in consequence such soldiers are constantly returning without them; and whether he will undertake that such necessary clothing for the voyage will be supplied from Government sources.
§ *MR. BRODRICKThe Clothing Regulations (paragraphs 425–430) fully pro vide for the issue of the necessary warm clothing for invalided soldiers. Under the orders of the general officer commanding at the port of embarkation general officers commanding Cape and Natal were instructed in June last to ensure compliance with these regulations. No reports have been received of men returning without proper warm clothing.
§ MR. BURDETT-COUTTS (Westminster)Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire how many invalided soldiers arrived by the "Simla" last week, and by the "Bavarian" a short time before, without any greatcoats?
§ *MR. BRODRICKI will certainly inquire.