§ COLONEL HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)I beg to ask the 749 Secretary of State for War, if any mobilisation has ever been attempted of the land forces deemed available for the defence of London, Regular, Reserve, Auxiliary, Horse, Transport, and Guns; and, in the contrary case, whether he can see his way to ascertain by experimental mobilisation, as in the case of the Navy, if the plans existing on paper are effective, and if in any particular they are susceptible of improvement?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY OF THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. WOODALL, Hanley)No mobilisation of the land forces designated for the defence of London has taken place. It is in contemplation that a small mixed force of all arms shall be mobilised this year in the neighbourhood of London, and it is anticipated that useful experience will result from this experiment.
§ COLONEL HOWARD VINCENTWill the Reserve men, the Militia, and the Volunteers be brought in, and will the attendance of the Reservists be compulsory or voluntary?
§ COLONEL LOCKWOOD (Essex, Epping)Will the men in the Home District be brought in?
§ MR. WOODALLIt will be a small experimental force from the Home District.
§ COLONEL LOCKWOODWill the entire force in the Home District be mobilised?
§ MR. WOODALLNo; I have not said that.