HC Deb 09 August 1916 vol 85 cc1039-40
33. Sir JOHN JARDINE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Report of the three Commissioners who have inquired into matters of medical supplies and transport in the campaign in Mesopotamia will be laid upon the Table before the House rises this month?

Mr. CHARLES ROBERTS (Comptroller Of the Household)

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by me on the 17th July to a supplementary question put by the hon. Member for Glasgow and Aberdeen Universities.

Sir HENRY CRAIK

Are we to understand that this Commission is not to report, and that the appointment of a new Commission is only to result in the suppression of the Report which we were led to expect?

Mr. ROBERTS

No, Sir. It the hon. Member will refer to the reply to which I alluded he will see that the Secretary of State said that he was doing all he could to expedite the Report.

Sir H. CRAIK

Has the hon. Gentleman not yet heard from the authorities in India whether they are prepared to send home that Report or not in order that it may be published?

Mr. ROBERTS

He has not got anything further to say than what was contained in his answer.

Sir H CRAIK

It is being concealed.

Sir E. CARSON

How long are we to go on without having any explanation of the delay?

Mr. ROBERTS

The explanation given on the 17th of July was that it was necessary to give the Government of India an opportunity of considering the Report.

Sir E. CARSON

Does he not see that that is three weeks ago and we want to know what has been done meanwhile?

Sir H. CRAIK

Is the hon. Member aware that I asked that a telegram should be sent to India, and has no reply been received?

Mr. ROBERTS

I cannot say

Sir H. CRAIK

It is subterfuge all through.

Mr. PRINGLE

How long would it take to expedite this Report?