§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if there are only three small ordinary household baths available at the Royal Irish Constabulary Depot, Phoenix Park, for the accommodation of 500 men; if so, will he consider the advisability of more ample accommodation in this institution designed for physical training; if any members of the depot force have recently suffered in health due to insanitary causes, and have several beds recently had to be burned in the depot because of their dirty condition; and what steps, if any, will be taken to remedy the existing state of affairs.
(Answered by Mr Birrell.) I am informed that there are at present only three baths at the depot for the use of the men. There are several wash-houses. The erection of six extra baths with hot and cold water has been approved. No members of the depot force have recently suffered in health from insanitary causes. One bed was destroyed about three months ago because its occupant, a recruit who had only then joined, was suffering from skin disease.