HC Deb 15 June 1915 vol 72 c527
10. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many of the eighty-two special battalions have now been taken over by the War Office?

Mr. TENNANT

The taking over of these battalions is in active progress. Boards to verify the clothing and equipment of thirty-one battalions have been held or are now sitting, and the work will be completed as expeditiously as possible.

Mr. HOGGE

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell me what he means by "active progress?" How many are taken over now?

Mr. TENNANT

As I have already stated, thirty-one are in process of being taken over. "Active progress" means that steps have already been taken by which the matter has been expedited. Nothing is left absolutely as it was on the last occasion on which my hon. Friend addressed to me a question.

Mr. HOGGE

When does my right hon. Friend expect that this progress will be completed?

Mr. TENNANT

My hon. Friend makes too great drafts upon my prophetic powers.