HC Deb 21 July 1884 vol 290 cc1725-6
MR. STANLEY LEIGHTON

asked the Secretary of State for War, If he will supply the House with information showing the loss of life in Egypt, and showing the details set forth in a Motion for a Return in to-day's Paper?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

If the hon. Member likes to move for the mortality in the British forces since the occupation of Egypt a Return shall be prepared; but as regards mortality among the natives, I can only refer him to replies made by the Prime Minister on the 15th of May and myself on the 24th of March to the effect that we have no data from which to compile such a Return.

MR. STANLEY LEIGHTON

desired to know whether the noble Marquess meant that General Graham and Admiral Hewitt had not given approximate estimates of the losses among the native troops at El Teb and Tamasi?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

They have given some estimate of what they were informed was the loss of life; but they have given no Return of the number actually killed. Indeed, it was not in their power to do so.

MR. STANLEY LEIGHTON

asked whether the noble Marquess would object to add to the Return the estimates which Admiral Hewitt, General Graham, and others had made in regard to the slaughter of the Egyptians?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

Yes; I should object to give a Return which is really based upon no accurate information.