§ THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE rose to ask His Majesty's Government whether any, and if so what, steps are being taken to provide the British troops on the Continent with warm coats for the winter in excess of the warm clothing that is ordinarily supplied.
§ The noble Duke said: My Lords, I placed this Question on the Paper at the request of my noble friend the Leader of the Opposition, who has taken a great personal interest in matter and would have addressed the Question to the Government himself had he been able to be present. Since I placed the Question on the Paper my attention has been drawn to the fact that a considerable number of articles of various descriptions have been sent out and there is a belief that a large quantity of those articles has not yet been delivered to the troops. We are given to understand, and I believe it to be perfectly correct, that as far as food and general supplies to our troops in the field are, concerned the arrangements have been admirable, and every supply has been sent out that was necessary. I understand, however, that in connection with the additional supplies there is au impression that there has been some delay at various points en route; and if the Government could give us any information on that subject it would be welcomed.
84THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (LORD LUCAS)My Lords, a number of what are described as fur-sleeved undercoats, which are worn underneath the service great coat, has been issued; also a large number of fur-lined great coats, and a large number of specially lined great coats of the British war type. These are being sent out at a very rapid rate. As to what occurs when they arrive there, I do not think any one is exactly in a position to say. It depends entirely upon the condition of things on the lines of communication — transport, and things of that kind. But everything that can possibly be done is being done on this side, and large supplies are going out. I may, perhaps, express on behalf of the Secretary of State for War his regret that he is not able to be here in person to answer the noble Duke's Question.
§ THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIREA suggestion has been made ill many quarters —I do not know whether it has been acted upon by the Government—that goat skins and sheep skins should be used for this material.
§ VISCOUNT MIDLETONI should like to ask whether there is any special department under the Quartermaster-General which attends to the distribution in France. From information which reaches us it would seem that a large number of garments have been sent out, but the distribution has not been hitherto equal to the efforts that have been made to supply them. I do not know whether the noble Lord could impress on the War Office the necessity of special authorities being entrusted with the task of distribution.
LORD LUCASI take it that that matter is dealt with by the Quartermaster-General on the Headquarters Staff acting in conjunction with the Inspector-General on the lines of communication, and their method of dealing with it is, I suppose, to a certain extent regulated by the military exigencies.