6. Lieut.-Colonel WALTER GUINNESSasked the Secretary of State for War whether the number of cases and deaths from bronchial pneumonia which occurred in the British Expeditionary Force during the first week of February?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe number of admissions to hospital from bronchial pneumonia among the British Expeditionary Force in France during the week ending 8th February was 235; and the number of deaths was 84.
Lieutenant-Colonel GUINNESSDoes that include a number of cases which contracted the disease in hospital?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI could not say without notice.
7. Lieutenant-Colonel GUINNESSasked the Secretary of State for War whether at many casualty clearing stations and general hospitals in the British Expeditionary Force bronchial-pneumonia cases are being treated in the same wards as cases of measles, sprained ankles, and other complaints; whether many of the latter are being infected by bronchial pneumonia while in hospital; and whether steps may be taken to secure the isolation of such cases in future?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLStrict instructions were issued in October last as to the isolation of broncho-pneumonia cases, and I am informed as a result of special inquiry that these instructions have been strictly complied with. If my hon. and gallant 190 Friend can furnish me with any specific instances of casualty clearing stations or general hospitals where these cases are not properly isolated I shall be glad to have them investigated immediately.
Lieutenant-Colonel GUINNESSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is generally said that these cases are treated with no more care or warmth than ordinary surgical cases?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not think that is true, because very strict instructions have been given as to the care with which they are to be treated, but I shall be quite ready to receive from my hon. and gallant Friend any definite facts relating to individual cases, giving dates, names, and localities.