Mr. NEWDEGATEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the officers of the 1st battalion of the South Wales Borderers are at present quartered at barracks at Chatham, which have been condemned over fifty years; whether the Royal Engineers have now in their office plans fifteen years old of new barracks which come up every year for consideration, and are every year postponed; whether the barracks in which the men of this battalion are quartered are well arranged and up to date; and whether he will arrange that the officers of this battalion shall have as good quarters as the men?
§ Mr. ACLANDThis battalion is at present quartered in Chatham lower barracks. The question of rebuilding has been raised from time to time and in 1906 it was decided to retain the buildings in habitable condition for one battalion and to demolish those that were unfit. These barracks were formerly occupied by two battalions. Since 1906 the buildings retained for use have been repaired, and though not up to modern type are quite fit for occupation. Two condemned blocks have been demolished. The commanding officer's quarter has not adequate accommodation and re-provision elsewhere is now under consideration, but there has never been any question of the single officers' quarters not being suitable, and no alterations are proposed.
§ Mr. ASHLEYCan the hon. Gentleman say how many single-room married quarters for non-commissioned officers there are in the barracks?
§ Mr. ACLANDI should like notice of that question.