HC Deb 17 July 1916 vol 84 cc655-8
23. Sir H. CRAIK

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will take any steps to procure the prompt production of the Report by Sir W. Vincent, General Bingley, and Mr. Redesdale, upon the medical arrangements for the Mesopotamian Expedition and its presentation to Parliament?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have asked the Viceroy to expedite the consideration of the Report by the authorities in India and to transmit it to me with their observations as early as possible.

Sir H. CRAIK

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the contents of this Report are already matter of comment?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

That may be quite possible, but it ought not to be so, because the Report reached the advisers of the Government of India only a very short time ago and has not yet been examined by them. When the last mail was written they had only just received it, and I myself have not yet got a copy.

Sir H. CRAIK

Could not a summary of the Report and the chief recommendations be submitted by telegraph?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The Report is the result of an inquiry into events in Mesopotamia in the past, of which I gave some account to the House early this Session. I think my hon. Friend and the House will see that it is right that before that Report is published the Government of India should have an opportunity of examining it and that the Government as a whole should have the same opportunity. I gather that my hon. Friend's anxiety is lest anything should now be left undone which could be done to ameliorate the conditions. I am informed by the Viceroy that he specifically put that question to Sir William Vincent and General Bingley, and that they both replied to him that there was nothing now to be done in anticipation of the full consideration of their Report; they believed that everything possible was now being done.

61. Colonel AUBREY HERBERT

asked if the Mesopotamian Force has for a long period been unprovided with necessary stores and equipment?

The PRIME MINISTER

I shall deal with this matter in a statement which I shall make to-morrow.

Sir E. CARSON

Will we have an opportunity of discussing that?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, Sir; but I think it would be more convenient to have the opportunity a day or two later.

Colonel HERBERT

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if to-morrow he will be in a position to tell the House whether the necessities that were asked for from Mesopotamia were disregarded by the Commander-in-Chief in India, or refused by the Financial Members of the Council?

The PRIME MINISTER

The hon. and gallant Member will see I cannot anticipate to-day the statement I will make to-morrow.

Mr. CHURCHILL

I understand there are two quite different subjects. The first is the publication or non-publication of Papers in regard to past operations, and the other question is that relating to the actual conduct at the present time of the operations in Mesopotamia. Will the opportunity for debate which is given enable the subjects to be raised separately?

The PRIME MINISTER

After my statement is made my right hon. Friend will be able to judge for himself.

72. Sir HENRY DALZIEL

asked the Prime Minister whether his promised statement in regard to the publication of the Papers relating to the Dardanelles and Mesopotamia will be made in such a form as to permit of a Debate taking place, or, if not, will he undertake that an early opportunity will be provided should the House so desire?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not think that the statement tomorrow can be in such a form as to permit of immediate Debate, but if there is a general feeling in the House that there should be a discussion on any of the points raised I shall be glad to secure an early opportunity?

99. Sir J. JARDINE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the provision of medical officers, warders, and nurses for the troops, British and Indian, at Basra and along the Tigris and Euphrates is now sufficient for the requirements of war?

Mr. FORSTER

By warders I think my hon. Friend refers to ward orderlies. Subject to this correction I may inform him that all demands which have been received by the War Office up to date have been complied with.

Sir E. CARSON.

Are the War Office accountable for these arrangements?

Mr. FORSTER

I think that is so now; it has not been so at all times.

Sir E. CARSON

Could the hon. Gentleman say since when?

Mr. FORSTER

No, I am afraid I could not without notice.