§ 9. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Under-Secretary for War if he will publish the telegrams and all other information received from the general commanding in Egypt as to the arrangements for the wounded brought from the Dardanelles to that country?
§ Mr. TENNANTI would refer the hon. Gentleman to a speech I made on 23rd June, in answer to some questions put to me by the hon. Member for Pembrokeshire. I do not think any useful purpose would be served by the publication of the telegrams referred to.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSMay I ask whether, in view of the serious statements made in the Press regarding the wounded from the Dardanelles, the right hon. Gentleman will personally inquire into the whole matter?
§ Mr. TENNANTI made it my business to ascertain—and did in fact state to the House on the occasion I have referred to—what happened. I do not think anything further is required.
§ 10. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked what was the date of the first landing at the Dardanelles and the date of the first arrival of the wounded at Alexandria, how-many wounded arrived within the first fortnight, and what were the arrangements at Alexandria for their reception?
§ Mr. TENNANTI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the dispatch from General Sir Ian Hamilton published to-day. The first arrival of the wounded at Alexandria took place on the morning of 29th April. I cannot give the numbers asked for in the third part of the question, but I can assure the House that the arrangements made for the reception of the wounded at Alexandria have been adequate in all respects.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSDoes the right hon. Gentleman assure the House, on his own responsibility, that the arrangements were really adequate?
§ Mr. TENNANTYes, Sir; I make that statement on my own responsibility.
§ Mr. PRINGLECan the right hon. Gentleman say the same thing with regard to the arrangements for transporting the wounded to Alexandria?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo, I cannot; and I have stated so in the House.
§ 11. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked how-many hospital ships are now engaged in the service between Alexandria and England, and the dates of their first voyages?
§ Mr. TENNANTSeven Army and three naval hospital ships are now employed between the Dardanelles, Alexandria, and the United Kingdom. The first voyages of four of these were in January and February, of four more in April and May, and of the remainder in June. There are also-three ships employed on what is called the ferry service. This has been in operation since May.