§ MR. LAMBERTI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he will state the estimated strength of the Mijertain tribe now fighting with the Mullah; also the strength of the Mullah's forces; and when it is proposed to withdraw the expedition from Somaliland.
§ EARL PERCYWe do not know the precise number of the Mijertain tribe who are now fighting with the Mullah. In 1902 it was estimated that he might count on the active support of from 40,000 to 70,000 spears from this tribe. The last reports from General Egerton show that on 31st March he had only 600 riflemen with him. Information received by the Italian Government early in April put the number at 500. As I informed the hon. Member for East Clare on Monday last, the question of the numerical strength of the force which it will be necessary to maintain in the Protectorate after the withdrawal of the expedition is under the consideration of His Majesty's Government, and until a final decision has been arrived at, the exact date of the withdrawal cannot be announced.
§ MR. LAMBERTCan the noble Lord say whether all the rifles and ammunition have been captured from the Mullah?
§ EARL PERCYI cannot say exactly how much has been captured.