§ 22. Mr. PONSONBYasked the Secretary of State for War how many British troops are now quartered at Konigstein, in the Rhineland; how many private houses have been requisitioned for their use; and whether any complaint has been made at a larger garrison than that of the French, whom they replace, being quartered on so small a town?
§ The SECRETARY OF STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)Twenty-seven officers and 721 other ranks are quartered at Konigstein. Eight private houses and eight flats have been requisitioned, and the families of four officers and 37 other ranks are accommodated in billets. As regards the third part of the question, no specific complaint as to the increase of the garrison at Konigstein has been received, but general representations, including a reference to Konigstein, have been made on the score of increased demand for accommodation. Every effort is made to reduce such demands to a minimum, but owing to the different circumstances and conditions of service of the two Armies, I cannot accept the principle that the British Army should requisition no more accommodation than the French Army.
§ Mr. PONSONBYIs there any particular reason for a larger garrison occupying this small town than when the French were in occupation?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIt is a question of the most convenient disposition of the troops.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWould it he possible to reduce the number of our 1008 troops in the occupied area, in view of the difficulties of finding them accommodation?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThey have already been very considerably reduced for that very reason.
§ Mr. RILEYHas the right hon. Gentleman any information that civilian families have been turned out of their houses to provide accommodation for British troops?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNo, I have no specific information of that kind.