§ The following question stood on the Paper in the name of Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY:
§ 20. To ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to statements in the Press to the effect that the usual method of enforcing the collection of taxes in Mesopotamia is by air raids and the dropping of bombs on the native villages and encampments; whether any notice is given before such raids in order that women and children may be placed in safety; how many such raids have been undertaken during the present year; and what are the total casualties inflicted by such raids during the present year to date?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYThe first part of the question was answered yesterday, but I would like an answer to the other two parts.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI made a full statement on this subject yesterday in answer to the hon. Member for Central Nottingham (Captain Berkeley). As I then explained, the Secretary of State is in communication with the High Commissioner and further details are expected.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYMay I take it that there is no record in the War Office or in the Colonial Office of the number of raids that have actually taken place?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThere is no such record that I have been able to obtain.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDoes not the hon. Gentleman think it necessary to keep supervision over these matters of reprisals?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI have already-asked for statistics.
§ Dr. CHAPPLEIn determining policy in this matter, will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration that the nerve disease and distress to the whole population are often very much greater from a dread of air raids than the injury to life and limb, and will he look into this as—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"]
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREAs I explained at the end of my answer yesterday, the whole policy will be reviewed by the Government.