SIR WALTER FOSTERI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that some of the men of the Derbyshire Regiment, which distinguished itself at Vlakfontein, have been in South Africa since 1899, and had 1325 previously served in the Tireh Campaign in 1897–8; and whether, taking into account their prolonged period of service in the field, he will consider whether these men can be relieved and sent home.
§ MR. BRODRICKI am fully aware that there may be some men who have served so long in the field as the hon. Member suggests, but I am afraid that it will not be possible for Lord Kitchener to treat them differently to other soldiers of Line regiments.