§ 11 Mr. RUPERT GWYNNEasked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether all the men and horses in Mesopotamia are at the present time receiving full rations; (2) what preparations were made for the comfort and safety of the troops during the hot weather in Mesopotamia as regards suitable food, drink, and tent accommodation; (3) what arrangements, if any, were made for the provision of drinking water for reinforcements arriving in Mesopotamia after they had disembarked and marched to camp; and whether he is aware that in many instances men go to the nearest pool and drink water, the result of which is enteric, cholera, or fever?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Lloyd George)In reply to these questions, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Roxburghshire on the 9th instant. As was explained then, no sufficient time has elapsed for an appreciable change to have been effected in the situation since the change of responsibility. I am making further inquiries as regards the rations. As regards the drinking water, I assume that so obvious a precaution against disease as the provision of proper drinking water has been taken, but I have no special information. If the hon. Member has private information from reliable sources I should be glad to be placed in possession of it.
§ Mr. GWYNNEMay we take it that there are now no men still under-rationed?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGESince I have seen the hon. Member's question I have sent out special inquiries on the subject, and though probably in some cases they have had to change the scale of rations with respect to certain things, yet there is no information that they are short of any important rations. However, I will make further inquiry.