§ COLONEL WELBY (Taunton)To ask the Secretary of State for War, whether he is aware that recently a battalion of Imperial Yeomanry infected with scarlet fever was moved into Newcastle, Natal, and no proper precautions of isolation taken; that the battalion remained 465 infected, and communicated the fever to other corps there, while fresh troops were moved into the place; that before the battalion was isolated a considerable force of all arms was infected, with the result that Indian drafts cannot be sent away, and illness and inconvenience have been caused; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made with a view to learning what medical officers are to blame.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) I am aware of the outbreak of scarlet fever among the troops at Newcastle, but I have no information at present of the cause. Measures have been taken to secure proper isolation. I have no information to the effect that drafts for India have been delayed. I am causing inquiries to be made as to the origin of the fever.