§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of 395 State for War if he will say on what ground Lord Roberts has declined the application made to him by the Government to detach a portion of the army now serving in South Africa for China, having regard to the fact that upwards of 250,000 men are at present under the command of Lord Roberts in a country where it has been authoritatively stated that the war is practically at an end.
§ *MR. WYNDHAMThe Secretary of State for War is not at present prepared to give any information as to the subject of the hon. Member's question.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLWhen will he be in a state of preparation?
§ [No answer was given.]