HC Deb 18 November 1919 vol 121 c784
23. Mr. HOPKINS

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will explain wiry highly-skilled technical men are retained in labour battalions in this country when pay and domestic allowances cost the tax payer £6 a week and the taxpayer is at the same time paying doles to unskilled men who are out of work?

Mr. CHURCHILL

There is only one labour battalion in this country, and this is being disbanded. The strength is 299 other ranks, all of whom are awaiting discharge.