§ MR. ASHLEY (Lancashire, N., Blackpool)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to keep troops stationed during the coming winter in the Beresford barracks, at the Curragh, Ireland, in view of the fact that these barracks are stated in the Army Medical Department Report for the year 1907 to be rapidly decaying and getting beyond repair, the rooms being draughty, cheerless, and very cold in winter.
§ MR. HALDANEIt appears on inquiry that the barracks in question, which are huts of concrete and as such inferior to permanent barracks, are not rapidly decaying or beyond repair, with the exception of the commanding-officer's quarters. Provision is made for the extra issue of fuel in Ireland in unusually damp or cold weather. The barracks will be occupied if necessary during the winter.
§ MR. ASHLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to have the official Report for 1907 corrected?
§ MR. HALDANEWe are quite aware of the fact.
CAPTAIN CRAIGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the barrack accommodation in Ireland is very inferior to that in England?
§ MR. HALDANEA great deal has been done in recent years to improve it, and in some cases the Irish barracks are better than the English.