MR, MANSFIELD (Lincolnshire, Spalding)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the telegram from Lord Kitchener asking for comforts for the troops in South Africa, he will arrange that all such comforts shall be sent out free of cost to the sender; and, if so, whether small parcels can also be sent post free.
*LORD STANLEYBoxes and parcels, if sent carriage paid to the Embarking Staff Officer, Empress Dock, Southampton, will be forwarded without further charge to the corps or individual to whom they are addressed.
§ MR. LAMBERTMay I ask how long these parcels will take to get to the troops, and whether there is any chance of their being blocked at Durban or Cape Town?
*LORD STANLEYThere are reasons for which I am not responsible which occasionally prevent trains from going up north.
§ MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)Is it not the fact that many of the parcels sent in this way have been five months on the road, whereas those sent through the Post Office have gone through without any delay at all?
§ [No answer was given.]
§ MR. MANSFIELDCan small parcels be sent post free?
*LORD STANLEYThat is a question which would have to be referred to South Africa, as the Colonial Government would be responsible for part of the payment. We should have to get their consent.
§ MR. MANSFIELDWill you endeavour to do so?
§ [No answer was given.]
§ MR. HERBERT LEWIS (Flint Boroughs)I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the approach of winter in South Africa, care will be taken to provide the troops with a sufficient supply of flannel underclothing.
*LORD STANLEYYes, Sir. Large supplies of flannel shirts, woollen drawers, and jerseys have been sent out.