HC Deb 13 June 1907 vol 175 cc1592-3
MR. KETTLE (Tyrone, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state the circumstances under which certain members of a Camel Corps, which left Bir Natron Government post some six weeks ago, lost their way and perished in the desert; what were the numbers and composition of the corps; how many men are known to have lost their lives and how many are missing; and what steps were taken by the responsible authorities to succour and rescue them, and to notify the Egyptian public of their fate.

SIR EDWARD GREY

The latest information in my possession respecting this matter is that No. 2 Company Camel Corps, under Bimbashi Whittingham, left for Bir Natron during February, one section being intended to be stationed there and another at a post then not yet selected. It was anticipated that their presence there would serve as a deterrent to any future raiding and counter-raiding. I will make inquiries as to the points raised by the hon. Member.