§ Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that troops and reinforcements at Havre, Rouen, and other base depots in France dwelt in tents intheir passage through these depots during the whole period of the War and without regard to the period of the year, and that since the signing of the Armistice orders have been given for the erection of hutments to take the place of these tents; whether such hutments are now being erected; and what is going to be the cost?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLPrior to the Armistice there was no labour or material available to provide hutments for more than a proportion of the troops and reinforcements at the base depots in France, such labour and material being urgently required at the front. Since the signing of the Armistice additional hutments have been provided at the base depots to accommodate the large numbers passing through for demobilisation and leave during the inclement season. The policy of providing these hutments has resulted in increased comfort and content, and has been fully justified. In view of the approach of spring, orders were issued that only huts which would be completed by 1st March were to be proceeded with. It is not possible to give at short notice an exact estimate of the cost of huts erected. Arrangements have already been made to dispose of the huts locally, and on most favourable terms, when no longer required by us.