HC Deb 09 November 1916 vol 87 c441W
Sir J. JARDINE

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will send a wire to the General Officer Commanding in Mesopotamia asking if all the units under his command have a sufficient supply of water packhals and water carts, and of transport animals for the same; and if the chlorinating plant and raw material is sufficient?

Mr. FORSTER

I think that the distinguished officer in command in Mesopotamia may be trusted to ask for anything which he considered deficient in the respects mentioned. That is what he is there for, and that is what I am certain he will do.

Sir J. JARDINE

asked how many nurses there now are in Mesopotamia and where they are stationed?

Mr. FORSTER

There are 168 nurses in Mesopotamia, who are stationed partly at Basra and partly at Amara.

Sir D. GODDARD

asked whether a number of cases of scurvy have occurred amongst the troops in Mesopotamia; and whether on one hospital ship no less than 90 per cent. of the sick sent to Bombay were suffering from this preventable disease?

Mr. FORSTER

There has been scurvy, but it has been confined to the Indian troops in Mesopotamia. The medical authorities in Mesopotamia have, however, taken the necessary measures to deal with it.