§ 30. Mr. JOYNSON - HICKSasked whether the Government or "War Office have sent out a sanitary commission to the Dardanelles; and, if so, whether their Report will be published?
§ Mr. TENNANTMany experts in various branches of sanitary science have been sent to the Mediterranean and they have made recommendations locally to the military and medical authorities. Although they in effect perform the functions of a sanitary commission, they have not been required to report collectively to the War Office.
§ 31 and 32. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked (1) what is the total number of cases of sickness removed from the Dardanelles during the campaign, and what is the number removed during the months of August and September, respectively; and (2) what was the average proportion of sick to wounded in August and September, respectively, removed from the Gallipoli peninsula; and is the proportion of sick to wounded such as might reasonably be expected under modern campaigning conditions?
§ Mr. TENNANTI stated yesterday, in a supplementary reply I gave to the hon. Gentleman, that I would endeavour to get figures. Statistics as to the number now in hospitals in the Mediterranean area, of those who have died from sickness in that area, and of those who have been in hospitals in that area and have recovered and returned to duty, are not available and to obtain them it will be necessary to telegraph. I regret that I cannot give any additional information to-day except to reassure the House that in the case of dysentery, which has been the chief disease, the figures show a remarkable and gratifying decline since the beginning of this month.
§ Mr. BOOTHCan my right hon. Friend say whether the information which he now declines to give was given to a small group of labour Members?
§ Mr. TENNANTI declined to give no information which it was in my power to give: it is merely because I have not got the information that I have not given it to the House. That being so, the latter part of the question does not arise.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSIf I put down a question in about a week's time will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give information as to the number who have been removed?
§ Mr. TENNANTI think I can promise that.