HC Deb 02 March 1900 vol 79 c1519
MR. WARNER () Staffordshire, Lichfield

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War what is causing the delay in providing transports to convey the Eighth Division to South Africa. In putting the question, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to explain the discrepancy between previous statements made by the First Lord and the Under Secretary for War upon the subject?

THE FIRST LORD OK THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. GOSCHEN, St. George's,) Hanover Square

There was no discrepancy whatever. The Under Secretary for War said the troops would go as soon as possible. That remains the fact now as then. The interpretation put upon that answer was that the troops are waiting for transports. That is not the case. A requisition came a few days ago and arrangements were at once made with the War Office.

MR. WARNER

What, then, was the cause of the delay?

MR. GOSCHEN

The delay was in taking the decision to send the. Division out.