§ 9. Mr. FARRELLasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a recent order to send 1,400 men of various regi- 466 ments to occupy the military barracks at Longford was cancelled because a report was made to the War Office that the town water supply was bad; will he say who it was who made this report; whether the military authorities took any steps to test, its accuracy, and, if not, will they do so; and do they intend to still refuse to send more troops to Longford?
§ Mr. TENNANTI have referred this, matter to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Irish Command, who reports that nothing is known in the Irish Command of any adverse report upon the water supply of Longford. Longford Barracks are in partial occupation by troops at the present time, but, irrespectively of any question regarding the character of the water supply, it is improbable that the barracks can be fully occupied.
§ Mr. FARRELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the War Office made all the arrangements for these men being sent, including the bedding, and then the order was cancelled, and why was that done?
§ Mr. TENNANTI think the hon. Gentleman has been misinformed, because no such arrangements were ever in contemplation.
§ Mr. FARRELLMay I say that I saw them myself?