26. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for War and Air what is the total number of British troops now actually stationed on the Rhine; what is the number which it was agreed with the Allies that Great Britain should supply for service in the occupied territory; and if Germany has yet reimbursed any portion of the cost of the occupation force?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe total strength of the British troops stationed on the Rhine is approximately 14,000. Since the initial occupation of German territory following on the Armistice, no agreements as to the numbers of troops to be maintained by the Allies have been made. The procedure followed has been that each of the Allies have effected such reductions in the strength of their forces as were compatible with their requirements for guarding the bridgeheads and maintaining order in occupied territory. As regards the last part of the question, I can add nothing to the reply on the 25th March by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for Central Southwark.
§ 33. Sir T. BRAMSDONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether women with a few months' training as dental mechanics are being sent to the Army on the Rhine and elsewhere at a rate of pay greatly above that received by men mechanics with seven and 1872 eight years' training who had to do this work compulsorily during the War at 1s. 6d. per day; is he aware that there are large numbers of discharged sailor and soldier dental mechanics who would willingly do this work at trade union rates and who are at present out of work; and what action does he propose to take in the matter?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONSpecial efforts have been made to recruit dental mechanics into the Royal Army Medical Corps, and every publicity has been given to the shortage which exists, but the numbers that have come forward are far short of the actual urgent requirements. In consequence, general service members of the Voluntary Aid Detachment possessing the necessary qualifications are being sent to commands overseas. Steps have been taken to train recruits who are willing and suitable for the duties of dental mechanics, and as these become trained they will be sent to replace the members of the Voluntary Aid Detachment. For the present, however, it is necessary to continue to employ women.
34. Mr. PALMERasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been drawn to the protests of the women censors at Cologne, whose services were dispensed with at two days' notice while the Germans employed as clerks and interpreters received six weeks' notice; whether he is aware that in spite of assurances, given when the Queen Mary Army Auxiliary Corps were demobilised and these censors retained, that they should receive more than the civilian women clerks they actually received less, taking pay with allowances; and whether he can see his way to advising the small grant necessary to make up the difference in emoluments and so remove the sense of injustice which is felt by these women?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am not aware of the circumstances referred to. Inquiry will be made, and I will see that the hon. Member is informed of the results?