HC Deb 11 November 1919 vol 121 cc217-9
9. Mr. TOOTILL

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the 50th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment, are under orders for a destination on the Danish frontier; whether he is aware that the men of this battalion allege that a promise was made that they would be sent no further than the Rhine; and whether, in view of the dissatisfaction prevailing, he will have inquiries made into this matter?

Mr. FORSTER

Presumably the 52nd Battalion, Liverpool Regiment, is referred to, as there is no 50th Battalion. The unit in question, together with others, is required for special duties in Germany, and will continue to be based on the Army of the Rhine. No promise has been made to these men that they will be sent no further than the Rhine, and, so far as is known, there is no dissatisfaction among the men on this point. The movement of this personnel will in no way prejudice their eventual demobilisation, which will be carried out as soon as Regular units are available to relieve the units in which, they are now serving.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Would it do any harm for the War Office to make a public announcement as to what regiments are going to Silesia, Dantzig, and Denmark, in view of the fact that we all have an enormous number of complaints from soldiers who have been ordered to those areas?

Mr. FORSTER

I will willingly consult with my right hon. Friend to see if anything of the kind can be done.

18. Mr. LUNN

asked the Secretary of State for War what has been the cost of the Army of Occupation in Germany, and of the British forces in French and Belgian territory, from the beginning of the current financial year to the latest available date?

Mr. FORSTER

Roughly estimated, the costs from the 1st April to 31st October last are:—

Army of Occupation in Germany £28,000,000
British Forces in France and Belgium £44,000,000

Sir F. HALL

Is it necessary that we should keep so many men in France at the present time?

Mr. FORSTER

We are doing our best to demobilise them.

Sir F. HALL

Does my right hon. Friend recognise the enormous amount of money that is being expended in France, considering that the whole of the operations are finished? Will every step be taken to expedite the demobilisation?

Mr. FORSTER

Of course we realise that, but the House must remember that you cannot demobilise an Army of the gigantic size which we had at the conclusion of hostilities in a few months. As I explained the other day, the expenditure cannot be terminated at once. You are bound to feed, pay, and house the men.