HC Deb 31 October 1882 vol 274 cc466-8
MR. GOURLEY

asked the Secretary of State for War, If there is any foundation for the allegation that the Medical Service necessary for the proper treatment of the sick and wounded brought home on board H.M.S, "Malabar" was insufficient; if so, will he be good enough to state the cause, and, further, why measures were not adopted when the troops left for Egypt to insure in every respect an efficient Medical Service in connection with each regiment; and, if it is a fact that the care of the sick and wounded depended mainly upon the assistance of lady volunteer nurses sent out under the auspices of the Ambulance Society?

MR. CHILDERS

Sir, in reply to my hon. Friend, I have to state that the Committee presided over by Lord Morley will minutely investigate the allegations as to the treatment of the sick and wounded on board the Malabar and other ships on which they were embarked, and that I prefer not to prejudge the Committee's Report. With reference to my hon. Friend's inquiry, why what he considers an inefficient medical force was sent with the Expedition, the whole of this question will come before the Committee; but I am bound to say that beyond dispute no military expedition ever left this country with anything1 like the proportionate strength of medical officers and attendants. The number of medical officers actually embarked from England, not including India, was 163, besides 13 who would have left had not the additional drafts been stopped. The numbers of the Army Hospital Corps were 18 officers and warrant officers and 817 non-commissioned officers and men; and, in addition, 29 nursing Sisters were sent out by the War Department. Of course, I do not include Sisters of Mercy or Nuns sent by private societies, of whom we have no knowledge. Of the 29 Sisters six were obtained from the National Aid Society, to which I presume my hon. Friend's last Question refers. I may take this opportunity to say that, after considering the suggestions made to me yesterday as to enlarging the Committee, I came to the conclusion that, without in any way qualifying my absolute responsibility in the matter, I might make an addition to the Committee which from every point of view would strengthen it; and I accordingly asked the hon. and gallant Member for Berkshire (Sir Robert Loyd Lindsay) if he was willing to give us the benefit of his assistance. I am happy to say that he has consented, and the first meeting of the Committee will take place tomorrow.

SIR HARRY VERNEY

wished to appeal to the right hon. Gentleman also to appoint a Member from that side of the House on the Committee.

MR. SPEAKER

If the hon. Baronet desires to put a Question ho will be in Order, but he cannot raise a debate.

SIR HARRY VERNEY

begged to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he would consider the question of appointing a Member from that side of the House?

MR. CHILDERS

I have not looked upon the appointment of this Committee as a political matter, and the fact that I have chosen the hon. and gallant Gentleman who sits opposite shows that I have not been actuated by any political motives. Three Members of the Committee will be officers of the Army; the secretary will also be an officer. I consider, therefore, that I have strengthened the military element sufficiently, and it is my duty to hold the balance justly between the different military and administrative departments. I think the House will agree with me that the Committee is now as strong as it can well be.