HC Deb 19 August 1919 vol 119 cc2117-8
7. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked what was the numerical strength of the Department of Military Intelligence, officers, other ranks, and civilians, respectively, at Home and abroad on 1st July, 1914, on 1st November, 1918, and on list July, 1919; and how many of these officers, other ranks, and civilians, respectively, have been transferred to the Home Office since the Armistice?

Mr. FORSTER

The figures asked for in the first part of the question are as follows:—

1st July, 1914. 1st Nov., 1918, 1st July, 1919.
Officers 39 379 164
Other ranks 20 65 22
Civilians (men and women) 44 5,525 783
Total 103 5,969 969
The latter part of the question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.

Lieut-Commander KENWORTHY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the process of reducing this Intelligence Department is still going on, or have we reached the lowest limit?

Mr. FORSTER

Oh, no, it is still going on. The officers referred to by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State the other day who arc engaged in the review of the foreign Press are also due for demobilisation.