§ 9. Mr. FRANCEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War what is the total number of men returned from the Army to shipyards and marine-engine works in fulfilment of the promise that 20,000 men would be so returned?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONApproximately 6,000.
§ Mr. FRANCEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister stated to the House recently that since the offensive began in France ships must come first, and does he not think that 6,000 is an inadequate proportion of 20,000?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONSince then, as my hon. Friend knows, circumstances have considerably altered, but as a matter of fact I think the Admiralty refused a number of men for physical reasons.
§ Mr. PRINGLEHow many men are now doing maidservants' work who might be usefully employed in the Army?
§ Mr. WILKIEAre there not expert workers in connection with shipbuilding who are still in the Army, notwithstanding the Prime Minister's statement?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThat does not arise out of the question.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that Guards may be seen cleaning windows in Lower Swan Street any morning who might be doing useful work?