§ MR. MALCOLMI beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he can now state, or will state at an early date, the total list of casualties to British and Indian troops from all causes during the recent blockade operations in Waziristan. I would also ask the noble Lord whether, having regard to the arduous and successful nature of the operations, he will be prepared to recommend that a clasp be added to the Frontier Medal for the Waziristan blockade.
§ LORD G. HAMILTONThe total casualties from all causes during the recent blockade operations in Waziristan were:—From commencement of passive blockade to November 22nd last—Native ranks, 38 killed or died of wounds, 20 wounded, 169 died of sickness; during 1445 active operations, November 23rd to end of blockade—British officers, one died of wounds, four wounded, none died of sickness; native ranks, 29 killed or died of wounds, 105 wounded, 236 died of sickness. In reply to the supplementary Question, I have to say that I am not surprised that he should raise the question of the grant of a clasp for these operations, having regard to their duration and the soldierly qualities displayed by the troops engaged in them, and the matter will be carefully considered. But I am not prepared to express an opinion in advance until I have received from the Government of India their recommendations.