§ MR. CLAUDE LOWTHER (Cumberland, Eskdale)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether the accommodation provided for the officers of the Native Infantry Regiment now in garrison at Singapore consists of huts partially made of palm leaves; and, if so, whether better accommodation can be provided for British officers and their families in a tropical climate with a rainfall of 200 inches per annum.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. ARNOLD-FORSTER,) Belfast, W.Perhaps I may be allowed to answer this Question for my right hon. friend. The temporary barracks mentioned are made of brick piers and attap roofs and sides (attap being the leaf of a large flag used locally for thatching). They were designed to last three years and have been in use more than half that time. The married officers' quarters have been reported to be unsatisfactory, and arrangements to provide permanent accommodation are now in progress.