§ Lieut.-Colonel PARRYasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the delay owing to the lack of adequate shipping accommodation, in bringing home officers from the demobilisation camp at Kantara, many of whom have been for months at this camp waiting their turn; and whether he will consider the chartering of special shipping facilities in order to clear the camp?
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§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given on 21st July last to the hon. and gallant Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Lieut.-Colonel Guinness). I understand it is not correct that officers have been waiting embarkation for months. From reports recently received it appears that, although there has been delay, which is regretted, it has been unavoidable. During the period from 19th June to 21st July accommodation was provided for 285 officers and, up to date, 477 first class berths have been allotted for military passengers from Egypt. Arrangements have been made to provide sufficient shipping to embark, by 20th August, all military passengers now awaiting embarkation in Egypt.