§ MR. NORTON (Kent, Tunbridge)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is true that 150 deaths or thereabouts have recently taken place amongst the troops at Assouan, and several hundreds invalided; and, whether it is absolutely necessary that the troops should remain there during the present hot season?
THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN)&c.) (Stirling,There has, I regret to say, been considerable mortality and sickness among the troops at Assouan and in the neighbourhood. I cannot, however, be certain that the figure quoted is correct. Sir Frederick Stephenson has been requested to remove to healthier positions as much of the force as can possibly be spared from Assouan; but the actual proportion which must be left there is a question entirely for the decision of that officer. Steps have already been taken to send all the young and sickly soldiers to Cyprus, where I hope their strength will be soon restored.