asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that letters addressed to Corporal J. H. E. Watkins, No. 1176, 2nd Rhodesian Signalling Section, German East Africa, to care of General Hospital, Wynberg, in accordance with his instructions of the 5th July, 1917, have been returned undelivered; that this soldier's relatives have now heard nothing of him for more than twelve months and are entirely ignorant whether he is alive or dead; and, having regard to the fact, that Corporal Watkins' name has never appeared in any casualty list, if he will ascertain whether Watkins is alive, and, if so, where lie now is and in what condition of health?

A cable has been sent to South Africa to inquire, in view of the further facts brought to notice by my hon. Friend. I will inform him of the result as soon as possible.