§ GENERAL LAURIE () Pembroke and HaverfordwestI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention of the military authorities to bring from Singapore to England the 1st Battalion King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, now stationed at Singapore, and to relieve it by a Madras native infantry regiment: whether this battalion has been abroad for some years: whether it is composed of fully-grown and well-seasoned and efficient men, well acquainted with their officers and with each other, as well as being acclimatised to great heat: whether such a battalion so acclimatised would be especially suited for active service in the field, and being so near the seat of war, whether it would lie both more economical and effective to send this regiment direct to South Africa instead of sending out a regiment direct from England; and whether, unless service exigencies compel, the change from Singapore to the English climate, which at this season of the year will be trying to the health of all ranks, could be avoided.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe answer to the first question is in the affirmative. The battalion referred to has been live years in the Straits Settlements, where the heat is not excessive, though the climate is moist and enervating. The battalion is efficient, and all the men are above twenty wars of age. It is undesirable to send the battalion to South Africa if it can be avoided, as another battalion of the same regiment is already there. It is not expected that the change of climate will have an injurious effect on the health of the battalion.
§ GENERAL LAURIEIs it not the fact that the regiment only went to Singapore last. August?
§ MR. WYNDHAMMy information is that it has been there five years.
§ GENERAL LAURIEThen that is incorrect.