§ 16. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the fact that six hospital carriers have been sent to North Russia for service on the River Dwina which cannot ascend that river owing to their excessive draught; whether, in consequence, the arrangements for transporting wounded may be insufficient should heavy casualties be inflicted on our forces; and whether all possible steps are being taken to send out smaller carriers for wounded with all dispatch?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe six hospital carriers referred to are six paddle-steamers which were fitted out temporarily owing to the unavoidable delay on passage from Mesopotamia of vessels of smaller draught. They were the shallowest draught craft available at the time, and, but for the abnomally low river, would have been entirely suitable for the service. I am advised that adequate craft are now available at Archangel, and, should more be required, others are on their way.