§ 7. Mr. HEWINSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the conditions prevailing at the Oswestry and Prees Heath camps; and, if so, whether he will grant an inquiry into the causes of the present state of affairs?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONYes, Sir. At the request of my hon. Friend and other Members of the House, I have caused very full inquiries to be made by the authorities in the Western Command, and the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief personally investigated the matter and caused very full reports to be submitted to us. I am glad to say that steps have been taken, by regulations and otherwise, to mitigate the conditions which it was humanly possible to control, but, as my hon. Friend knows, the abnormal weather aggravated, till the arrival of warmer weather, the epidemic of influenzal pneumonia which was prevalent. I have asked for more information on certain points, and on the receipt of this information, perhaps my hon. Friend will then give me the opportunity of making a fuller statement.
§ Mr. HEWINSDoes the hon. Gentleman feel satisfied with the remedies that have been adopted?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONAs at present advised, I do feel satisfied, but I am waiting the result of my further inquiries.
§ Mr. HEWINSMay I send my hon. Friend some special evidence which I have on this case?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONCertainly.
§ Mr. HEWINSAnd will he have it thoroughly investigated?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONCertainly.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI cannot say offhand, but if my hon. Frined looks up my previous answer he will find the exact number.