§ 75. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the insanitary condition of the camp at Kantara and of the absence of proper provision against the heat; whether there are in the camp and hospital over 200 officers and 100 nursing sisters that have been awaiting passage home for varying periods up to three months and more; and what prospect he can hold out of their return and of the immediate improvement of the unhealthy conditions and deficiencies existing?
78. The following question stood on the paper in the name of Captain Terrell: To ask the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a large number of officers and other ranks have been detained for months at Kantara, Egypt, waiting for transport to this country for demobilisation; can he state the reasons for this delay; and what steps are being taken to rectify this delay?
Captain TERRELLBefore the question is answered, may I point out that certain words have been omitted from the original question, and that the last paragraph should read: "What steps are being taken to rectify these irritating and costly delays?"
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe do not admit adjectives into questions.
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONA Report has been asked for by cable, and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible. Meantime I must not be understood to assent to the correctness of the allegations contained in the question.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise the extraordinary importance to life and death in hot climates of remedying conditions which have been described by the senior officer as a scandal and the worst he has seen during his campaigns, including the Balkan Wars?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI quite realise the importance of the matter, and a cable has been despatched to ascertain the facts.
Captain TERRELLWhy is the Department not aware that hundreds of officers and other ranks are detained at Kantara? May I press for an answer to that?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better give notice if he attaches importance to that question.
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONThe hon. Member asks why we are not in possession of certain information. I will try and ascertain if he will put down a further question.