§ 19. Mr. WATTasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of men from Yorkshire and Durham have been attached recently to the 65th Lowland Division, which is composed solely of Scottish regiments; will he say what percentage of these men from Yorkshire and Durham have been declared physically fit for foreign service; and what was the percentage of the division so fit before these men were attached to it?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am aware that the division mentioned has had recruits posted to it from another area to make up its establishment. The military authorities are fully alive to the desirability of preserving the national—and even the county—spirit; but there are cases, such as the one mentioned, where this desire has to be subordinated to the good of the Army as a whole, but every effort will be made to keep men for them. It would not, I think, "be in the public interest to give the information asked for in the two latter parts of the question.
§ Mr. WATTMay we take it from that reply that the percentage of fit men for foreign service has been reduced?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo, I do not think my hon. Friend need deduce that.
§ J. SAMUELIs the hon. Gentleman: aware that the Yorkshire and Durham men have been specially mentioned in various connections, and are they not fit to join any regiment?