§ 93. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Secretary of State for War why it is intended to quarter a Belgian brigade of 1,500 men in the town of Olpe; and whether, in view of the fact that such action will render homeless 986 families of 3,847 persons, he will investigate the position with a view to sending these troops elsewhere.
§ Mr. BellengerThe brigade in question has to be quartered in the area in which Olpe is situated, in order to carry out its part in the task of occupation; but, in fact, only the Brigade Headquarters consisting of 220 officers and other ranks will be quartered in that town.
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§ Mr. BellengerIt is not possible in all classes of stores to remove Government marks from surplus Army goods now being disposed of to the public, since there is insufficient labour available. However, even if it were the general practice to remove such marks from surplus stores, there would be nothing to prevent those who come into improper possession of Government property from similarly obliterating the marks themselves. In cases of sales by Government auction or sales to dealers by Government Disposal Authorities the document of sale should provide adequate proof of proper possession.