§ 88. Mr. OUTHWAITEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the casualties suffered by the North Staffordshire Regiment on 21st March, the first day of the German offensive; whether this regiment had been sent to occupy a portion of the line recently taken over from the French; and, if so, can he state whether this operation was undertaken on the advice of General Sir William Robertson and Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONMy hon. Friend is correct in stating that a North Staffordshire battalion suffered severe casualties in the fighting of 21st March. I cannot answer the remaining parts of the question.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEHas inquiry been made as to the general circumstances that led to this catastrophe?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONMy right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer answered a question on that point the other day. I have nothing to add.