HC Deb 30 September 1915 vol 74 cc1008-9
77. Sir HENRY CRAIK

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the arrangements for dealing with the sick and wounded at Gallipoli are entirely under the charge of the authorities of the Royal Army Medical Corps; and whether they have an adequate supply of properly equipped hospital ships for the purpose?

Mr. TENNANT

The medical arrangements on land are entirely in the hands of the Royal Army Medical Corps. The transport of the sick and wounded, of course, involves the co-operation of the naval authorities, who have the control over the working of the ships, which is exercised through a naval hospital transport officer. There are fifty ships regularly engaged on this service, which is hoped will prove an adequate number, but as an emergency measure other transports can be utilised in addition.

Sir H. CRAIK

Are these fifty ships ordinary transports?

Mr. TENNANT

I think I am correct in saying that forty-nine of them are hospital ships.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Was there an adequate supply of properly equipped hospital ships for the landing of troops at Suvla Bay?

Mr. TENNANT

I must ask for notice of that question.

Mr. MACMASTER

Is it a fact that the steamship "Arragon" conveyed 1,200 men from Gallipoli to Alexandria, a journey of five days, with only two surgeons on board?

Mr. TENNANT

I really should like notice of a question like that.