§ Mr. CLOUGHasked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that Aldwyn Emmott, No. 72295, Royal Garrison Artillery, of Beechcliffe, Keighley, along with other soldiers, travelled in a truck for seven days without comfort or convenience, and died from influenza on the 18th February, 1919, within a week of arriving home; and that this man's sister also contracted the disease and died; whether any inquiries have been made into this case; and, if so, with what result?
(2) Whether he is aware that Corporal Harry Atkinson, No. 110411, Tank Corps, of 10, Hartington Street, Keighley, who left France on the 13th January, 1919, and arrived at Clipstone Camp on the 20th January, was sent home for demobilisation on the following day; that on arriving home he was suffering from a cold, and complained that he and other soldiers had been packed in horse boxes, and, owing to the number in each box, had been obliged to leave open the door; that during the eight days' journey he had no opportunity to remove his clothes; that when he arrived home everything possible was done for him, but he died shortly afterwards; and whether steps are being taken to prevent the recurrence of such incident?
(3) Whether he is aware that Private Hartley Hogarth, No. 025831, Royal Army Medical Corps, of Riddlesden, Keighley, who arrived home on the 21st February, 1919, travelled from Egypt to Italy, where the weather was very cold and snowy; that he was given two damp blankets and, along with other soldiers, made the journey to Le Havre, which occupied seven days and seven nights, in cattle trucks; that these men were then placed in tents in the pitch dark during heavy rain; that next morning they were marched six or seven miles, fully equipped, into Havre, where they were stripped and bathed, afterwards embarking for England; that the boat was very crowded, and there was no opportunity for rest or comfort; that on arrival in England Hogarth was sent to Clipstone Camp, where he was again stripped and examined; that at 4 a.m. on 60W the 21st February he was turned out to entrain for Keighley, where, owing to his having become very ill, a cab had to be procured to convey him to his home, and, in spite of every attention, he died shortly afterwards; whether he is aware that he had not had his clothes, off for twenty-one days; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the case?
(4) Whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the following case of Second-Lieutenant Samuel Whitaker, 10th Battalion, West Riding Regiment, of 25, High-field Lane, Keighley, who left Italy on the 7th February, arrived at Clipstone Camp, England, about 11 p.m., 16th February, and had to wait outside the camp until 2.30 a.m. before he received his protection certificate and other papers; whether he is aware that he had breakfast at 6 a.m. and left Clipstone at 9.30 a.m., and was looking very ill when he arrived home and shivering with cold; that he made a statement to his father that he was afraid the previous night at Clipstone had done for him; that he was given hot tea and a hot bath and the doctor was called in; that he died on the 26th February, suffering from acute influenza; and whether, in view of this and similar cases, he will cause proper arrangements to be made for the care and comfort of returning soldiers, both during the journey and on arrival in this country?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIn reply to these questions I would refer my hon. Friend to the several replies which have already been given on the subject, and in particular to the answers to the hon. Member for Morpeth on the 24th February, to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Bradford (East) on the 12th March, and to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastbourne on 13th March. In these replies the difficulties of transport are fully explained, and, as already stated, every effort is being made to improve the conditions, but owing to the enormous movements of troops which are taking place I fear it is not possible to avoid hardships in isolated cases. As regards the overland route from Taranto, this question has been very carefully taken up and a medical officer travels on every train, and special precautions are taken throughout the journey. I would remind my hon. Friend that every section of the community has suffered acutely from the influenza epidemic, and I do not think that the proportion of casualties from this cause among soldiers is higher than 61W among the civil population. I would also point out that persons travelling from one climate to another are, under any circumstances, more susceptible to illness. I very much regret the death of the four soldiers mentioned.