§ MR. FLOWER (Bradford, W.)To ask the Secretary of State for War whether he will cause instructions to be given that the transport of troops by rail in South Africa shall be effected in ordinary railway carriages; whether he is aware that on the 6th of last January the 1st Royal Welsh Fusiliers left Potchefstroom for Cape Town in cattle trucks, unprovided with shelter against the rain; and if he will issue such orders as shall for the future ensure that accommodation equivalent to that given to the returning Boer prisoners, shall be given to His Majesty's soldiers.
§ (Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) There is considerable difficulty in the provision of sufficient passenger carriages in South Africa for the conveyance of troops. I have been in communication with the railway authorities and will take care that all possible consideration is shown to the troops.