§ 163. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Secretary of State for War why a draft has been kept waiting at the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Depot, Poperinghe Barracks, Arborfield, Reading; why 40 men had to sleep in small huts, with no lockers for kits; and why, when an inspection by the General Officer Commanding was announced, 100 men were moved to another camp at Bordon, and lockers were moved into the huts while the inspection was on.
§ Mr. HeadFrom the Question it is impossible to identify this particular draft, but in this unit there have been no abnormal delays in the movement of drafts. Owing to an increase in the numbers returning from overseas who have transferred to R.E.M.E. under the current re-organisation, there has lately been some overcrowding in this barracks and double-tier beds were installed in some barrack rooms.
The removal of lockers and the movement of men elsewhere were two of the steps taken to reduce overcrowding and had no connection with the visit of inspection by a general officer. The overcrowding has been much reduced since the beginning of this month and the lockers are being replaced.