HC Deb 23 October 1919 vol 120 c175
18. Lieut. -Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state how many troops, white and Indian, respectively, are in Mesopotamia; and how many of these white troops are volunteers for the post-war Armies?

Mr. FORSTER

The numbers at the end of September were:—British troops, 21,000; Indian troops, 79,000. Of the British troops, 501 men have voluntarily enlisted for the after-war Army.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Can the right hon. Gentleman state what progress is being made to relieve demobilisable men by volunteers?

Mr. FORSTER

I think my hon. and gallant Friend had better await the statement which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is to make next week.

Mr. HOUSTON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the whole of the old Army who are in Mesopotamia will be returned, as many of them have been there four years?

Mr. FORSTER

I cannot say that without notice.