HC Deb 07 September 1909 vol 10 cc1095-6
Mr. HUNT

asked whether the hon. Gentleman is aware that at the camp of the Gordon Territorial Brigade last July there was no good drinking water in the camp, and no beds for the men for some days after their arrival; whether he is aware that there was no single utensil provided to enable the men to have a wash for quite a week; and, in view of these facts, whether he could see his way to ensure better accommodation for the men in future years?

Mr. ACLAND

The hon. Member has been somewhat misinformed. The Brigadier reports that there was plenty of excellent drinking water, and washing appliances were ready for the men on arrival in camp. Owing to gross carelessness on the part of some men the water taps were left running on the first day of camp, and the reserve tanks were emptied thereby. Ample drinking water was, however, at once supplied in carts, and a full supply both for drinking and washing was furnished with the least possible delay. As regards the beds, some palliasses were deficient for two or three days, apparently owing to delay in delivery by the railway, but waterproof sheets and blankets were complete.

Mr. HUNT

asked whether the hon. Gentleman is aware that the beef supplied to the Gordon Territorial Brigade was Argentine frozen beef, and very tough and unpalatable; and whether he can see his way to provide the Territorial troops with good beef in future years?

Mr. ACLAND

No complaints have been received at the War Office in regard to the meat supplied to this brigade. The meat was of the same quality and description as that supplied to Regular troops, and was obtained under contract, the specification of which includes stringent safeguards as to the quality of the meat, and provides that the beef supplied on four days a week must be fresh (i.e., from cattle slaughtered in the United Kingdom) and that imported frozen beef may be issued on two days a week only. The necessary care will continue to be taken to ensure that the meat supplied to the Territorial troops is of good quality as stipulated for in the conditions of contract.

Mr. HUNT

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the men said the meat was tough?

Mr. ACLAND

I think we could have relied on the men themselves or their representatives, if that was the case, to have made some complaint.

Viscount HELMSLEY

Does the hon. Gentleman know whether any other Yeo-manry regiment complained of the quality of the meat?

Mr. ACLAND

I said there was no complaint in this case—the case referred to by the hon. Member.