§ Mr. G. FABERasked whether there is an insufficiency of sun helmets for our troops at Solonika, and an insufficiency of punkahs for the sick and wounded there?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo, Sir; there is no insufficiency of sun helmets. A sufficient supply to cover issues to the whole force was sent from Egypt last month. No representations have been received as to insufficiency of punkahs for the sick and wounded.
Mr. S. BENNasked the Secretary of State for War whether, considering the disquietude felt throughout the Empire owing to the medical arrangements in the past in Mesopotamia, he can tell the House that the medical arrangements at Salonika are thoroughly satisfactory.
§ Mr. FORSTERPerhaps I cannot do better than read to the House an extract from a letter written by the Red Cross Commissioner in Macedonia, Sir Courtauld Thomson, who is an independent authority who has been familiar with the medical arrangements in France and other theatres since the beginning of the War. He writes as follows under date 26th July
Another striking change here is the progress that has been made in the hospital accommodation and arrangements. I have been in all your general hospitals and many of the casualty clearing stations and field ambulances and the standard of efficiency seems very high. I have been much impressed by the Officers Commanding. It is a pleasure to see the pride they take in their own unit and their keenness to try and make it the best of its kind. The last three weeks have been a great strain on everyone, but the medical service have risen splendidly to the occasion.It is the case that there has been a good deal of malaria amongst the troops in the Struma Valley, but this is now, I am glad to say, lessened.