§ *MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER (Croydon)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether any, and, if so, what portion of the Territorial Force has been told off for the defence of the landward forts which formerly protected the dockyards at Portsmouth, Devonport, and Chatham; whether the troop so detailed comprise a force of Garrison. Artillery and what is the strength of the Garrison Artillery to be employed; and whether he can state in what way the troops assigned to the defence of the forts are to perform their duty, now that the whole of the guns and ammunition have been removed from the forts.
§ MR. HALDANEI am unable to furnish this information; the right hon. Gentleman must be aware that it is neither customary nor to the public interest to publish detailed information in regard to the works, armaments and garrisons of defended ports or fortresses at home or abroad.
§ *MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERIs there any force of Garrison Artillery told off for the defence of those forts which possess no artillery?
§ MR. HALDANEI have said it is inexpedient to answer such a Question.
§ *MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERBut are not all the units warned beforehand what is expected of them?
§ MR. HALDANECertainly.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThen why refuse the information to the House?
§ [No Answer was audible.]