HC Deb 20 April 1920 vol 128 cc204-5
30. Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air why Second-corporal James Munro Selbie, No. W.R. 288,177, R.O.D., Royal Engineers, who, after disembarkation from H.M.S. "Czaritza," died at Devonport on 8th February from influenza and double pneumonia, and whose temperature on the arrival of the "Czaritza' at Gibraltar was 103.4, was not taken off the ship at Gibraltar and sent to hospital for treatment; and whether, in view of his gradually rising temperature, his chances of recovery would have been greater had he been so disembarked?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I have no specific information as to the reason why Lance-Corporal Selbie was not disembarked at Gibraltar. From the reports received, however, it appears that until after leaving Gibraltar the case was one of uncomplicated influenza, and as such would not ordinarily be taken off a ship en route since adequate provision for treatment exists on board. I am advised that there is no reason to suppose that the complications which unfortunately led to this soldier's death would not have supervened at or about the same period, even though he had been disembarked at Gibraltar.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Is the right hon. Gentleman quite satisfied that there was no negligence on the part of the senior medical officer on board?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am so advised. It is, of course, a matter in which I have to go by the advice given me. I have certainly seen no ground for assuming that there was negligence.