HC Deb 10 June 1918 vol 106 cc1879-80
72. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked how many times during the last three weeks the Germans have bombed our hospitals on the northern coast of France; and what are the casualties in killed and wounded of soldiers, doctors, and nursing staff?

Mr. MACPHERSON

A recent Report from the Commander-in-Chief shows that during the period from the 15th May to the 1st June hospitals have been bombed on seven occasions. The casualties occurring in hospitals are not given separately from those caused in the district by the same raid. The total casualties in these seven raids were as follows:

Killed.
Officers 11
Other ranks 218
Sisters 5
Queen Mary's Army Auxili-
ary Corps 8
Civilians 6 248
Wounded.
Officers 18
Other ranks 534
Sisters 11
Queen Mary's Army Auxili-
ary Corps 7
Civilians 23 593
Total casualties 841
Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Has the War Cabinet considered whether any steps can be taken in the way of reprisals in this matter?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

73. Mr. JOYNSON.-HICKS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that one John Faller, an un-naturalised German, is manager of the Royal Oak Hotel, Wotton-under-Edge; whether the Home Office has declined to intern him; whether there are seventy discharged soldiers in that village, many of whom would be perfectly capable of doing the work now done by this German; whether the Government are really serious in their desire to get wounded soldiers back into employment; and, if so, whether steps will be taken to get rid of this German, who has done nothing for the country, in order that his place may be filled by a wounded English soldier?

Mr. MACPHERSON

As regards the first part of the question, I am afraid that I can add nothing to the reply given on the 30th May by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. The employment of wounded or disabled soldiers is a matter which is dealt with by the Ministry of Labour, in conjunction with the Ministry of Pensions.