§ MR. COOPE (Middlesex, Brentford)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he is aware that a British Regiment has been detained on duty up the Nile for two successive summers; and, whether, considering the unhealthiness of the climate, that Regiment will be relieved, and orders given that any Regiment so stationed will be relieved annually?
THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN)&c.) (Stirling,Up to this time the position of the battalions on the Nile has necessarily been determined according to the exigencies of military duty by the General Officer commanding in Egypt, who is best able 765 to decide as to the state of health and fitness of the regiments under his command. With the present reduction of the Force the battalions longest in Egypt are being withdrawn; and I have no doubt that Sir Frederick Stephenson will make the best arrangements open to him for the relief, in due course, of any which may be in unhealthy positions.