THE EARL OF ARRANI beg to ask the noble Marquess the Secretary of State for War a question of which I have given him private notice—namely,, whether he can give the House any information as to the extent to which warm clothing has been supplied to the troops in South Africa in view of the coming winter.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR AVAR (The Marquess of LANSDOWNE)I think the best answer I can give to the question of my noble friend is to read the following telegram, which I have received from Lord Roberts—
From Lord Roberts to Secretary of State for War.—Bloemfontein, April 28th.—There is no necessity for appeal for warm clothing. Some corps have received more than they require, and all will be amply provided as soon as the numerous cases containing clothing and [here conies an undeciphered word] various description can be brought here from the base.I think that shows conclusively that the large demand which has been made for clothing of this description is in a fair way of being overtaken.