HC Deb 21 March 1902 vol 105 cc712-3
SIR WALTER FOSTER (Derbyshire, Ilkeston)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he can state the names of the special sanitary officers who have been sent to South Africa to inquire into the origin and spread of enteric fever and other preventable diseases among the troops, with the dates of their appoint- ments, the length of time spent in South Africa on these duties, and the duties on which they are now engaged.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, Guildford

Three gentlemen were specially employed in August, 1900, to inquire, into the subjects mentioned: Dr. Simpson, Colonel Notter, and Major Bruce. Dr. Simpson served until November, 1901, with an interval of five months when he was employed on plague duties; he has now gone to Hong Kong to investigate the recurrence of plague there. Colonel Notter served till October, 1901, when he returned to England; he is now acting as Principal Medical Officer at Aldershot. Major Bruce served till October, 1901; he is now serving on the Advisory Board for Medical Services. Captain Beveridge and Captain Cooper, R.A.M.C., who were already in South Africa, were also employed on the same work. The recommendations of these gentlemen are being carefully carried out by the responsible medical officers on the spot.