§ 33. Sir A. SHIRLEY BENNasked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that the headquarters, Devon Royal Engineers, has been closed and the regimental funds ordered to be disposed of; whether it is intended to abolish this county unit and why; and whether, in view of a statement made that so far from abolishing Territorials it was intended to strengthen them, of the admirable record of this regiment, and of the strong feeling that will be caused in the county if this corps is abolished, he is prepared to make any statement on the subject?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI regret I can made no statement on this subject at present. It was decided as a war measure to break up this unit but the position of all such Territorial units will be most carefully considered when we are able to 3103 come to a decision as to the composition of the Army which it will be necessary to maintain after the War.
§ Sir A. SHIRLEY BENNWill no steps be taken until a decision is come to on the general subject?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI will look into this question when I go back to the War Office to-day.