§ Mr. LUNNasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will publish a weekly statement of the casualties of British troops in the various areas where British troops are stationed showing separately the casualties in action and deaths from disease or sickness.
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONIt is not considered that the publication of such a weekly statement is now necessary. Battle casualties have practically ceased, and the casualties which are now reported are generally speaking such as would occur in normal peace time from disease. It may be added that steps are being taken to break up the Casualties906W Department of the War Office and to decentralise the work. The compilation of a weekly statement as suggested would entail the rendering of special returns and duplication of staff, a course which, in present circumstances, I am not prepared to adopt.