§ 24. Major GLYNasked upon whose authority the figure of 11,000 men of the 32,000 troops at present in France are stated to be employed in handling, storage, movement, and guarding of surplus stores; whether, as far as the Disposals Board are concerned, 5,500 men are considered adequate; and of the remaining 21,000 troops, according to the War Office figures, how many are engaged in the work of graves registration, &c., find how many are engaged in the repatriation of railway material, road transport, &c., under War Office arrangements?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe figure of 11,000 men was given by the General Officer Commanding British troops in France and Flanders. A joint travelling Committee, on which the War Office and Ministry of Munitions are represented, are now at 1462 work verifying this figure. The second part of the question should be addressed to my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions. As regards the last part, 15,000 men are employed on Graves Registration duties, and 770 men on the repatriation of railway wagons and other railway duties.
Lieut.-Colonel LOWTHERCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the paraphernalia of war between Calais and Lille will be disposed of?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat question should be addressed to the Ministry of Munitions, who are responsible for the Disposals Board.