§ 4. Mr. KINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the need of men to maintain the ranks fighting abroad, any estimate has been made of the trained men, under thirty-five years, now retained for Home defence in Great Britain and in Ireland who might be sent abroad if men of a higher age were available to take their places in Home defence units?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Macpherson)I am afraid that I cannot publicly answer this question without disclosing to the enemy useful information. Men who are fit for general service are taken from Home service units as they can be replaced by men of lower categories.
§ Mr. KINGHas the hon. Member observed that I have not asked for the figures of any estimate, but whether any estimate has been made?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONOh, yes, of course it has, certainly.