§ 37. Major McMICKINGasked the Secretary of State for India, in connection with the Karachi troop-train incident, whether there were three fully-qualified Royal 884 Army Medical Corps officers on the train, in addition to conducting parties numbering seven officers and eighteen non-commissioned officers and men sent to Karachi under instructions from Army Headquarters, India, to accompany these troops?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answers to questions on Wednesday last.
§ Major McMICKINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of those Medical officers had had considerable experience of heat and sun stroke in West Africa, and does he not think that the statement that the train left Karachi without experienced officers cither medical or combatant, ought to be withdrawn?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI really must appeal to the House on this question. This is a question on a matter which resulted in loss of life to gallant British troops who were insufficiently looked after on a journey in hot weather in India. An inquiry has been held, and a conclusion formed on that inquiry. A repeated offer of a new inquiry to protect an officer who thought he had a grievance has been refused, and I can add nothing to the present statement.
§ Major McMICKINGIs it not a fact that the conduct of the general officer commanding at Karachi was never inquired into?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThat question was explored on Wednesday last. If the gallant officer is dissatisfied with the inquiry, he has had for two years past the opportunity of a new one, and if he refuses to accept that offer I can do no more.
§ Major McMICKINGIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this offer has not been refused, but I would ask how is it possible for this gallant officer to get witnesses from England to India?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe inquiry which has been offered is an inquiry in the ordinary course of military procedure. The occurrences were in India, and in accordance with every precedent it is in India that the inquiry must be held. He has been offered expenses and pay and carriage backward and forward.
§ Major McMICKINGI repeat my question, how is it possible for him to get witnesses from this country to India?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIf there is any difficulty which has arisen on that subject that difficulty has only got to be presented, and we will do what we can in the matter.
§ Major McMICKINGIs not the obvious course to hold this inquiry in this country?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Member should raise this matter in Debate as it is impossible to deal with it further by question and answer.