§ Mr. W. NICHOLSONasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is, and has been for some months, a hay dump at Farringdon, near Alton, Hants, containing some 411 tons; whether it is a fact that two men are employed to watch the dump at a weekly wage of £3 18s. per man; and whether it would be more economical to insure against fire, which would only entail an annual premium of £15 8s. 3d.?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONIt is not anticipated that this charge will continue much longer, as the hay will shortly be consumed. The principle of insurance in such cases against fire, etc., is not applicable, because the requirements of the Army have to be met and the hay is actually needed for consumption. The weekly wage of the watchers is £2 5s. per man, and not as stated in the question.