§ 25. Mr. R. MCNEILLasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he was aware that, in December, 1914, troops were billeted in the two neighbouring villages of Elham and Barham, in Kent, at the rate of 17s. 6d. per man per week, but that, in the case of Barham, the rate was subsequently raised to 23s. 4½d., and arrears paid to bring the payment as from the commencement of the billeting up to that figure, while no corresponding alteration was made in the rate paid in Elham; if he will say what was the reason for this inequality of treatment; and whether he will have payment made to the house holders in Elham on whom troops were billeted on the same terms as were given to Barham?
§ Mr. FORSTERI have been unable to find that any troops were billeted at Barham in December, 1914. The rate paid at Elham was presumably settled by agreement, and in that event the higher rate would not be payable. If my hon. Friend will furnish me with definite particulars, showing that householders in Elham did not receive the rate of payment to which they were entitled, I will make further inquiries.