§ 5. Major McKENZIE WOODasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any British ships are still taking an active part in the Russian expedition?
§ Mr. LONGIf my hon. and gallant Friend's question refers to Murmansk and Archangel, the answer is in the negative.
Mr. THOMASDoes that mean that so far as the British Navy are concerned they are taking no part whatever in expeditions in Russia?
§ Mr. LONGI endeavoured in my answer to make my meaning plain. I said that if the question referred to the expeditions to Murmansk and to Archangel—
§ Major WOODWill the right hon. Gentleman give some further information as to the engagement reported in this afternoon's papers, and what purpose these ships are supposed to serve?
§ Mr. LONGI am sorry to say that I have no more information than that which is supplied to the Press.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre British battleships murdering Russians at the present time?
Mr. JONESHas this House ever been consulted in carrying on these operations? Can you make war without consulting the House? [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member should give notice of that question.
Mr. JONESI am asking the right hon. Gentleman can war be carried on without the House being acquainted with the fact?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI would ask the hon. Member to be good enough to put the question on the Paper. [Laughter.]
§ 24. Major McKENZIE WOODasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the number of British troops retained in any Russian theatre of war?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe 9th Battalion Hampshire Regiment is due to sail for home from Vladivostok on the 30th of this month. Otherwise there are no formed bodies of British troops in any Russian theatre of war.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHow many are there?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI shall give a detailed answer if a question is put down. 13 There are a certain number of individuals serving, but no formed battalions except this unit which leaves in eight days from now.