HC Deb 22 February 1900 vol 79 cc777-8
SIR J. JOICEY () Durham, Chester-le-Street

I wish to ask the Leader of the House whether he can communicate any further war news.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.

Yes, Sir; just as I was coming to the House the following telegram from Lord Roberts was put into my hands— Paardeburg, Feb. 21, 6.5 a.m.—Yesterday afternoon I was satisfied by a careful reconnaissance in force of the enemy's position that I could not assault it without a very heavy loss, which I was most anxious to avoid. Accordingly, I decided to bombard him with artillery, and to turn my attention to the enemy's reinforcements. The result was most satisfactory. The Boers were driven off in all directions, losing a good many killed and wounded, and about fifty prisoners, who state that they arrived from Lady smith two days ago by railway. They say that it was our artillery fire which caused them to abandon the kopje they were occupying. Our loss consisted of two officers—Captain Campbell, 9th Lancers, and Lieutenant Houston, Royal Horse Artillery—and four men, all slightly wounded.

MR. BROADHURST () Leicester

I wish to ask the Under Secretary for War whether he has any late official information as to the condition of General Hector Macdonald.

* THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. WYNDHAM,) Dover

I regret I am unable to give any further details as to the nature of the wound unhappily received by General Hector Macdonald. As to its gravity, I think we may console ourselves with the reflection that it has not been described as dangerous. We may therefore hope that his services will soon be restored.