§ 13. General CROFTasked the Under secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the failure of the Forage Committee to provide the promised uniform and equipment to the Women's Forage Guards; whether he is aware that in consequence much sickness has been incurred owing to these guards being exposed to the weather without the provision of suitable clothes; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this, state of affairs?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThese Forage Guards were engaged for guarding hay during the winter months. It was not found possible to obtain uniform for them at first at short notice, and they agreed to take up guard duties in their own clothes until uniform could be provided. Unforeseen delay occurred in its provision, owing to materials not being obtainable, and some hardship was occasioned to some of these guards in consequence, but the amount of sickness was slight. The period of engagement of these guards expires on the 28th instant, when they will be disbanded. All are now in possession of uniform.