§ 90. Mr. JAMES HOPEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, on the recent departure of certain units from camp at Winchester, their harness, tents, blankets, and surplus equipment, though perfectly fit for further use, were left on the ground or burnt; and whether the resources of local pig-keepers have been widely augmented from their surplus rations?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo, Sir. So far ass is known at the War Office, the surplus equipment left behind by the units referred to was collected and returned to store. As regards the local pig-keepers, it is well known that such individuals in the neighbourhood of barracks, as of any other large community, invariably make arrangements to purchase cook-house refuse for the purpose of pig-feeding, and I am not aware of anything beyond this having occurred at Winchester.
§ Mr. HOPEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the information which prompted this question came from a responsible military source, and that the reference to pig-keepers was as to actual rations which had been over-estimated?
§ Mr. TENNANTI was not aware of that. Perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to let me have the report which has reached him, and then I will be able to have further inquiries made.
§ Mr. HOPEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I sent it to the right hon. Gentleman's financial colleague?