asked the Secretary of State for Air, what were the distances that the troops recently sent from Bagdad to Mosul travelled by train and -on foot; what was the state of the roads that had to be traversed on foot; and whether any of the troops died or fell sick on the journey?

It is not known how far the troops marched by road, or how far they travelled by train. There is a railway available for 175 miles, and then 60 miles by road. The road is only partially metalled, and is heavy after rain. No reports have been received showing that there was any sickness or that troops died on the road. I am communicating with the Air Officer Commanding in Iraq to inquire whether there is any foundation for the rumour referred to by the hon. Member in his speech on the 21st March.