HC Deb 20 November 1917 vol 99 cc990-1
17. Mr. GILBERT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what regiments have taken part in the advance in Palestine; and what London Territorial regiments were present at Beersheba and Gaza?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a similar question on 7th November. All information which can be given without detriment to the public interest has been published in communiqués, and I would call my hon. Friend's attention to the review of his operations from 31st October to 8th November, which has been received from General Allenby, and was published on 14th November. This review contains the fullest particulars as to the regiments engaged which it is possible to publish.

Mr. GILBERT

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the newspaper correspondents' accounts of this advance the London Territorial regiments were mentioned, and, in view of the anxiety of the relatives and friends of the men in these regiments, is it not possible to give the numbers of the Territorial regiments so engaged?

Mr. MACPHERSON

No. I think it would be extremely ill-advised to give the numbers of any regiments until the Commander-in-Chief in the theatre of war thinks fit to give them.