§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what was the ailment from which Lord Methuen was suffering which rendered it necessary for him to go to hospital, from which, according to the list of British casualties published on 11th April, he was discharged on 7th April: how long was Lord Methuen in hospital; by whom were the duties of his command discharged in his absence; when did the news of Lord Methuen's illness reach the War Office: and what explanation, if any, is there that the fact of his illness was not communicated to the public.
§ MR. BRODRICKThe only notification as to Lord Methuen's illness which has reached the War Office was the notice that he was discharged to duty 774 on 7th April, and this was duly published. It has not been thought necessary to inform the War Office when generals in South Africa go on the sick list, unless the illness is serious.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLHow did the Government get the information that General De Wet was mad?
§ MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)May I ask whether the Government will consider the desirability of allowing Lord Methuen to come home for a rest?
§ MR. BRODRICKLord Methuen has recently carried out a variety of operations to the entire satisfaction of Lord Kitchener and the Government.
§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDWhat about Magersfontein?