HC Deb 18 April 1918 vol 105 c563
48. Sir GODFREY BARING

asked the Prime Minister whether, when he stated that the British Army in France was considerably stronger on the 1st January, 1918, than on the 1st January, 191, he was including the labour battalions and other non-combatant units; and whether the combatant strength of the British Army was greater or less at the beginning of this year than as the beginning of last year?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The combatant strength of the British Army was greater on the 1st January, 1918, than on the 1st January, 1917. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister did not necessarily include the labour and other non-combatant units, but their inclusion would, of course, make the increase more marked.