§ MR. BUCHANAN (Edinburgh, W.)asked the Secretary of State for War, What has been the cause of the great delay, extending over two years, in giving the sanction of the War Office to the proposed "Fortress and Railway Engineer Corps" for Edinburgh and 162 Leith; and, whether he will take steps to have a definite decision given at the earliest possible moment?
§ SIR HERBERT MAXWELL (A LORD of the TREASURY) (Wigton)(who replied) said: Provision has been made in the Estimates of this year for the formation of four companies of the Fortress and Railway Engineer Corps for Edinburgh and Leith. The existing Volunteer battalions and regiments at Edinburgh and Leith have strongly protested against the formation of this corps, on the ground that it would be likely to interfere with recruiting. The matter has been referred to the General Officer commanding in North Britain for further Report.