§ 58. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary for War whether he can make any statement as to the condition of our troops in the Murman Expedition?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe state of health of the British troops in Murmansk is good, and shows an improvement on the returns of a month ago. At the present time the number of sick in hospital is 4 per cent. of officers and 5 per cent. of other ranks. The last return giving details of the illnesses shows that 7 per cent. were influenza cases, while the remainder, with few exceptions, were very slight.
No serious case of frostbite, involving amputation has occurred, and no cases of scurvy have occurred. The comfort of the troops is being carefully attended to, and measures are being taken to give them recreation and interest. An entertainment committee has been working all through the winter at Murmansk. Cinematographs, stores, and gramophones to the value of £l,600 have been sent out by the efforts of the Director-General of Voluntary Organisation. The clothing provided for the troops is excellent, and effectively protects the men against the cold. The ration scale is generous, and has been specially augmented owing to the coldness of the climate.