§ MR. JOSEPH WALTON (Yorkshire, W.R., Barnsley)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in recognition of the conduct of our Military and Naval forces, both British and Indian, during the recent operations in China, His Majesty's Government will propose that Parliament pass a vote of thanks to them for their services.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR, Manchester, E.)In answer to the hon. Gentleman, I have to say that we are entirely in accord with him as to the estimate we have formed of the admirable conduct of the troops engaged in the recent Chinese operations; but from the strictly military point of view the operations seem not to have been of a character which would justify the very exceptional treatment which the hon. Gentleman suggests.
§ MR. JOSEPH WALTONWill the right lion. Gentleman consider whether it is in any way possible to remedy what may seem to be a somewhat invidious distinction between the members of the naval force who have received recognition and those of the military force?
§ AIR. A. J. BALFOURI was not aware there had been any exceptional treatment of one portion of the forces, but if the hon. Gentleman will give me particulars I will make it my business to inquire.