§ 8. Mr. TREVELYANasked the Secretary of State for War if he can give the monthly statistics of sickness and mortality in the British force since its arrival in Shanghai; whether he has official information showing that the risks to health are greater as the year goes on; and, if so, whether a withdrawal of the British forces is contemplated?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSAs regards the first part of the question, I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT. As regards the second part, some increase in the sickness is unfortunately to be looked for during the hot weather, but authority has been given for one battalion at a time to be sent from Shanghai to Wei-hai-wei during the summer months. As regards the last part, no further withdrawal is contemplated at present.
§ Following is the statement:
§ Approximate average number in hospital at Hong Kong and Shanghai according to the latest available information:
| Month. | Officers. | Other ranks. | ||
| March | … | … | 5 | 583 |
| April | … | … | 16 | 745 |
| May | … | … | 16 | 871 |
| June | … | … | 23 | 959 |
§ Deaths from all causes reported among the troops in Hong Kong and China, excluding permanent garrison and marine battalions:
| February | … | … | 1 |
| March | … | … | 5 |
| April | … | … | 2 |
| May | … | … | — |
| June | … | … | 2 |
| July (to 9th) | … | … | 2 |
§ No deaths have occurred amongst officers.