HL Deb 12 June 1873 vol 216 cc829-31
LORD BUCKHURST

moved that an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty for— Return of the number of Medical Officers of the Army who volunteered and served on the West Coast of Africa between the years 1859 and 1867 under the Royal Warrant dated lot of October 1858; and also moved for, Copy of the said Warrant which relates to medical service on the West Coast of Africa. The noble Earl was understood to say that under this Warrant several officers had served on the West Coast of Africa in the belief that one year's service would count as equal to two years' service in Europe, and that they would be also under the passport system. These medical officers had volunteered and served under these conditions, which, as he was given to understand, had not been carried out. There were only very few of those medical officers living—he believed that only about 30 of them survived. He hoped that the information on the point which he desired would be forthcoming.

THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE

thought that the noble Earl was labouring under a misconception with regard to the terms upon which the officers referred to had gone to the West Coast of Africa. There was no intention to withhold the information asked for, but he suggested that the medical regulations of 1859, upon which the whole question hinged, should be included in the Motion. There was a House of Commons Paper in existence which contained the names of all officers to whom the noble Earl had referred. It would be well to include that Paper also in the Return.

EARL STANHOPE

suggested the addition of a Return of the names of medical officers serving on the West Coast of Africa who had died during the above period.

LORD BUCKHURST

agreed to the suggestions made.

Motion amended, and agreed to.

Address for— Copies of that portion or portions of the Royal Warrant of the 1st day of October 1858, regulating the grades of Medical Officers in the Army;

Of Section 5. of the Medical Regulations of 1859;

Of Articles 296, 297, and 298 of the Royal Warrant of the 3d day of February 1866, regulating the Medical Service on the West Coast of Africa;

Of Clauses 15, 16, and 17 of the Royal Warrant of the 1st day of April 1867 for the Medical Department:

Returns of the Names of the Medical Officers who served on the West Coast of Africa between the 1st day of April 1856 and the 1st day of April 1867, with the dates of their promotions, and their length of service on the coast; and

Of the Names of the Medical Officers serving on the West Coast of Africa who died during the above period.—(The Lord Buckhurst.)