HC Deb 27 June 1916 vol 83 cc734-5
98. Colonel YATE

asked the Secretary of State for India for what length of time Surgeon-General Sir W. Babtie, the Director of Medical Services in India, and the officer stated to have been responsible in regard to medical provision for the expedition to Mesopotamia, was absent from his post during certain months of 1915; and who was appointed to officiate for him during his absence?

Mr. C. ROBERTS

Surgeon-General Sir W. Babtie left India for a short time early in 1915 to carry out certain work entrusted to him by the War Office. He was not replaced during his temporary absence. He vacated the appointment of Director of Medical Services in India in June, 1915, when he was succeeded by Surgeon-General MacNeece. I am not aware by what authority General Babtie is stated to have been responsible for the medical arrangements in Mesopotamia, and I would deprecate any such assertion.

Colonel YATE

Will the hon. Gentleman inquire who was responsible?

Mr. ROBERTS

That question shall be conveyed to the Secretary of State.