HC Deb 02 May 1901 vol 93 cc407-8
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he can state the number of Boer women and children detained in camps by the British authorities, and what the death rate has been amongst them since they were brought into camps from their homes.

MR. BRODRICK

Lord Kitchener has not yet been able to forward the necessary information as regards the Orange River Colony, but for the Transvaal the numbers are 2,840 men, 6,083 women, 14,251 children—and the deaths since the 1st January amount to 284.

MR. REDDY (King's County, Birr)

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these deaths were due to starvation on half rations?

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

When is the right hon. Gentleman likely to be in a position to give the figures for the Orange River Colony?

MR. BRODRICK

I telegraphed for them three weeks ago. I will give them as soon as they reach me.

MR. JOHN ELLIS

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can now give information respecting the camps of concentration formed by the military authorities in the Orange River Colony, Natal, and Cape Colony, which he gave as regards the camps in the Transvaal, in respect of numbers of men, women, and children confined; shelter provided; records of births and deaths; medical attendance and nursing; and education of the children.

MR. BRODRICK

The information has not yet reached me.

MR. JOHN ELLI'S

The same reply was given on the 8th March.

MR. BRODRICK

I have already answered a similar question to-day very fully.

MR. JOHN ELLIS

No, no.

MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)

Will the right hon. Gentleman cease worrying the Commander-in-Chief for needless Returns?