§ 15. Viscount SANDONasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that it is stated in the recently published "Official History of the War" that, although information as to the intended use of poison gas by the Germans was received by the general staff six weeks prior to the second battle of Ypres, no measures were taken during that time for the protection of our troops against a gas attack involving the loss of life; and whether any inquiry has been held as to this omission with a view to ensuring speedy action being taken in the future on information received?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Commodore Douglas King)I would refer my Noble and gallant Friend to a footnote on page 165 of the "Official History of the War, Military Operations," Vol. III, France and Belgium.
§ Mr. THURTLEMay I ask whether it is not in accordance with the practice of the War Office never to punish "highly placed officials, no matter what blunders they may commit?
§ Viscount SANDONIs it not the fact that there is nothing in the footnote which states that there was an inquiry at the time?
§ Commodore KINGIt explains the circumstances under which the attack took place.