§ MR. SHIRLEY (Yorkshire, W. R, Doncaster)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is the intention of the Government to grant any decoration or batta money to the troops who were quartered at Assouan during the hot season of 1886, on account of the appalling mortality and sickness which was rife there, in accordance with the procedent of 1885, when the Egyptian medal was granted on account of the excessive heat?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, WAR DEPARTMENT (Mr. BRODRICK) (Surrey, Guild ford)(who replied) said: The medal granted in 1885 was for the campaign in Egypt, towards which the troops at Assouan wore directly contributory. Excessive heat of the climate does not in itself constitute a claim to a medal or decoration. It would not be convenient that the pay of a soldier should be dependent on the climate in which he may be serving; but all troops in Egypt have advantages in rations which they would not have at home. The value to the individual soldier is about 4½d. a-day.