HC Deb 29 April 1884 vol 287 cc895-7
MR. GUY DAWNAY

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether his attention has been called to the following paragraph in a telegram sent by the Cairo correspondent of The Standard, and published in-the issue of April 28th— I have heard indirectly that the state of the 60th Rifles at Suakim calls for serious consideration. Insufficient camping ground and want of water are reducing that gallant regiment to a condition anything but creditable to the authorities, or accordant to the deserts of the men; and, whether he will cause an inquiry to be made into the truth of such statement?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

The only information which we have on this subject is contained in a telegram, received from the General Officer commanding in Egypt, dated the 27th of this month, in which he recommends the departure of the battalion from Suakin, on the ground of health and the absence of suitable shelter. I am in communication with the Admiralty on the subject. In reference to the statement contained in The Standard, as to the insufficient camping ground and want of water, although I have no recent information on the subject, the statement appears to be inconsistent with the Report which we have received as to the condition of the larger force under General Graham at Suakin, in which the camping-ground and the health of the troops are represented as being satisfactory in every respect.

MR. W. H. SMITH

asked whether the Marines, who were to relieve the battalions at Suakin, would be landed under precisely the same conditions as they were now; or whether the Admiralty would make arrangements for their accommodation?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

I believe the Admiralty will make arrangements for a floating barrack for the Marines. A portion, at all events, of the Marines will always be afloat, the number ashore being regulated according to the necessities of the case.

SIR JOHN HAY

asked whether the water supply to the troops under General Graham was not distilled water from the ships; and whether those appliances did not still remain for the service of the troops?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

There are still ships at Suakin, I believe; but the statement I made had special reference to the camping ground, which, was found satisfactory.

SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOT

said, the question of the water supply to our troops was so important, especially considering that the thermometer was 117 degrees in the shade at Suakin now, that he hoped the noble Marquess would cause some inquiries to be made.

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

Certainly inquiry would be made, if it were at all probable that any measures could be taken before the departure of the troops; but, as I have stated, it is probable that the battalions now at Suakin will return in the transport which is taking the Marines.

LORD JOHN MANNERS

Will there be any extra water supply for the Marines?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

I have already stated that the Marines, to a great extent, would be accommodated on board ship, where there would be no difficulty as to water supply.

SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOT

The noble Marquess must remember there are some Egyptian troops with English officers also at Suakin in camping ground, who will also require water.