§ Sir ASHTON LISTERasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that some 2,000 tons of valuable old hay is stored in ricks so close together at Culkerton, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, that if a fire took place it would in all probability be destroyed, as there is not any water near?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am informed that the quantity of hay stacked at Culkerton is 764 tons, and not 2,000, as suggested, and that there is a space of 24 ft. between each stack, whereas 15 ft. is considered safe. The usual precautions against fire have been taken, namely, a guard is provided night and day, the stacks stand upon hard and bare ground, and there are forty-six large barrels of water and thirty-six fire-buckets. In addition to these precautions, there is also an adequate supply of chemical fire-extinguisher always on the ground in case of an emergency.