§ MR. RUNCIMANTo ask the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been directed to the fact that tents for the men to eat in which the War Office has supplied regularly for the past twelve years to Militia in permanent camps, have this year been refused to some Militia battalions; and, considering 173 the discomfort to the men of being obliged to have their meals in the small tents in which they sleep, three to ten per tent, and have to keep and clean all their uniforms, arms and accoutrements, whether he will revert to the older practice, so as to avoid injuriously affecting recruiting for the Militia.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Arnold-Forster.) Dining tents are still an authorised issue to Militia battalions, but there has hitherto been some difference of opinion among commanding officers as to their utility, and in many cases they have not been asked for by units. Nothing is known at the War Office of any issue being refused, as the matter is one for the General Officer Commanding concerned to settle locally.