BILLETING.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 115, 17 May 1909, Page 2

BILLETING.

NEW PROPOSALS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, 2nd April. Parliament will shortly debate an alteration in the Army Council Bill concerning the new liability of citizens to take troops into their homes in times of emergency. At present billeting powers are restricted to victualling houses, but, as the Territorial Force will be mobil- j ised for six months in case of need, it is required in the event of the men being called up in winter, to have accommodation found for them among the j general population. A division of troops, ordered, say, to concentrate in Essex, would, as a first measure, Übe up the accommodation in the inns and halls. Billeting officers, accompanied by constables, would then march the remainder to the private houses in the towns and villages, enquire the number of rooms for occupants,- and allot men to the full capacity of the house. The amount (in an emergency period as distinct from actual wav) is 6d per day for lodging and attendance, including the use of fire and utensils to dress and cook the j rations issued by the quartermaster, j Abroad, the powers of billeting are used as a right, and although no one is allowed to be out of pocket in peace time, the war necessities impose the free use of every house and every kind of food and supply. The Army Council Act provides for meals, if demanded, to be supplied. Fourpence is the price for breakfast, ll£d for dinner, and 2£d for supper.