§ Mr. BRYCEasked the Secretary of State for India whether the members of the Royal Flying Corps sent on the Kut relief force were forbidden to take aeroplanes with them; and whether the machines furnished them on the spot were only two in number and of such construction that they could only fire from behind?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe answer to all three parts of the question is in the negative.
§ Major Sir C. HUNTERasked how many officers and men died in transit after leaving the front on the Tigris, and arriving at Basra or Amara, between 5th January and 31st January, 1916?
1350W
§ Mr. FORSTERA correct answer to this question cannot be given without reference to the military authorities in Mesopotamia. It is not proposed, however, to ask specially for this information, but rather to wait until it can be seen what information on the point raised by the question may be desired by the Special Commission which is to be set up by the Bill to be introduced to-day by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.
§ Mr. BRYCEasked whether General Townshend protested against the expedition to Baghdad being undertaken with the forces at his disposal; and, if so, whether his protest was communicated to the Government of India, and by it to His Majesty's Government or to the Army Council?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI would ask the hon. Member to refer to the Papers on this subject already presented to Parliament. The reference is to Command Paper 8253 of the present Session.
§ Mr. BRYCEasked whether the principal medical officer in charge of the Kut relief force made representations with regard to the inadequacy of the medical equipment; and, if so, what action was taken by the Government of India on such representations?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINThis is a matter for inquiry by the Commission which is to be appointed by Act of Parliament.