HC Deb 08 March 1915 vol 70 cc1142-3
74. Mr. ALDEN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any complaints have been made as to the overcrowding of troops in Ongar; what is the population of Ongar and the maximum number of troops billeted in the town at any one time; whether, when the police have fixed the number of the billet, these numbers have ever been exceeded by the military authorities; whether the limit of 400 cubic feet per man has been observed in every case; and whether, having regard to the strain imposed upon the inhabitants for several months past, the Secretary of State for War can see his way to decrease the number of troops billeted in Ongar and in other neighbouring places?

Mr. TENNANT

I am informed that no complaints of overcrowding have been made at Ongar. The number of billets was fixed by the police and no alteration was made. A limit of 300 cubic feet was observed in all cases. Steps have been taken to reduce the number of men billeted at Ongar and I understand that the number at present is only 445 and that there is no overcrowding.

Mr. ALDEN

Has spotted fever broken out in Ongar?

Mr. TENNANT

Not that I am aware of.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many cubic feet of German shell and how many cubic feet of German stench have been received by these troops?