HC Deb 01 August 1916 vol 85 cc21-2
19. Captain C. BATHURST

asked whether a few of the thousands of hutments in military camps in England and Wales will be available, either before or immediately upon demobilisation, for the equipment of the three experimental land settlement colonies for ex-Service men?

Mr. FORSTER

It is unlikely that any of the hutments will be available either before or immediately on demobilisation for the equipment of the three experi- mental land colonies for ex-Service men. My hon. Friend's suggestion will, however, receive sympathetic consideration, and when it is decided upon what lines demobilisation will be carried out it should be possible to give a definite reply.

Captain BATHURST

What is the earliest date upon which a definite reply can be given, and must the land settlement scheme proceed now upon the assumption that no such hutments will be available?

Mr. FORSTER

The question of demobilisation, I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend, is even more difficult than the problem of creating the Army. I do not think that it would be right to count upon the hutments being available, but the suggestion shall be considered.