§ 16. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for War whether the War Office has information to the effect that bombs or shells carrying disease or plague germs were used by the German forces on the Western Front during the Great War?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNo, Sir. The War Office has no other information than that contained in the Official History of the War, Volume II, Medical Services, Chapter 17.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYYes, but does not that give negative evidence that any projectiles containing germs were used?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI think that the hon. and gallant Gentleman had better read Chapter 17.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYCan the right hon. Gentleman not refute this latest war lie which has been raked up?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI really think that the hon. and gallant Gentleman had better read that chapter.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI have read it.
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSSo have I, and I am not prepared to say "Yes" or "No" to the question.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in that Chapter 17 there is no evidence at all that projectiles for carrying germs were used at all?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIt is true that there is no evidence, but there is a suspicion.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIn that case, had we not better lay this war lie once for all?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am very ready to lay any lie at any time, but I cannot do better than refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to Chapter 17, in which the whole case is discussed.