§ Major NEWMANasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Army Council have had brought to their notice temporary breakdowns and shortcomings in the medical service and commissariat that occurred during the earlier stages of the British advance from Gaza to Jerusalem; and can he say that both departments are now working with greater smoothness and that all avoidable suffering from lack of transport, and medical comforts is spared to our troops?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONNo, Sir; I am not aware that there was any breakdown in the medical or commissariat arrangements. In view of the rapidity of the advance, difficulties naturally increased. There was an increase of intestinal disorders in the force due to the great strain undergone by the troops during the advance and the coldness of the nights.