12. Major-General Sir IVOR HERBERTasked whether any inquiry has been instituted into a regrettable incident that occurred to the east of the Suez Canal on Easter Sunday last; whether any Report has been received fixing the responsibility for the disposition of the troops engaged on that occasion; and whether the officer responsible for the apparently faulty dispositions has been permitted to retain his command?
§ Mr. FORSTERSuch information as the War Office had received of the operations which are apparently referred to was published in communiqués on 24th and 25th April. There is nothing to add to this information at present, and in the opinion of the military authorities the reports do not disclose any ground for an inquiry. From time to time changes in the command of troops in Egypt have been made on the recommendation of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, as is done in other theatres, and it is not in the public interest to give information about any changes that may have taken place.
§ Sir IVOR HERBERTIs my hon. Friend aware that there are going about concerning this matter very distinct reports which give rise to a great deal of uneasiness as no more information is provided than that contained in the very brief communiqués?
§ Mr. FORSTERI think that all that has been taken into consideration.