§ 20. Brigadier-General BROOKEasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that £422,500 is being spent on improving the barrack accommodation for the regiments of the Brigade of Guards, including the provision of lounges, armchairs, lawns, fountains, and bars de luxe, it is proposed to do anything to improve the conditions of Bordon camp?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)The suggestion in my hon. and gallant Friend's question is unwarranted. Schemes for the replacement of hutted camps by permanent barracks will be proceeded with as opportunity occurs; the present conditions at Bordon Camp are equal to those in any other hutted camp in the United Kingdom. With regard to the expenditure on London barracks, no public money is being spent on armchairs or lounges; they are provided by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes without cost to the public. The fountain is an old war memorial originally provided from private funds and all that has been done is to place it in a more suitable position, with grass plots round it, at a cost of about £400. The new regimental institute is part of a block containing barrack rooms, dining rooms, and adult school; the approximate cost is about £15,000 out of the £371,500 being spent on accommodation for the Guards Brigade in London. I cannot identify the £422,500 referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend.
Lieut.-Colonel WATTS-MORGANThe right hon. Gentleman has omitted to deal with the question of bars de luxe.
§ Sir HARRY BRITTAINIs it not only fair that the Brigade of Guards should in this respect enjoy the same facilities as the House of Commons?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am not sure I know what a "bar de luxe" is, but if it be a similar one to that in the House of Commons, I do not think it is unduly favourable.