HC Deb 30 November 1920 vol 135 cc1091-2
25. Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British soldiers there are in France at present?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The number of British troops at present in France and Flanders is approximately 3,400. These troops are engaged on work connected with graves registration, the disposal of surplus stores, and the transportation and disposal of railway wagons and locomotives.

Captain TERRELL

Are any of these men engaged in guarding dumps in which barbed wire is stored in large quantities?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I do not know, but if my hon. and gallant Friend knows of any convenient place in which large quantities of barbed wire can be found which can be used at practically no undue expense, I can assure him there are plenty of uses to which it can be put.

26. Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will furnish a return showing the numbers and distribution of the British Army throughout the world?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The approximate numbers and distribution of the British Army throughout the world are as follow:

Home 153,000
Rhine 13,100
Danzig (troops en route to United Kingdom) 1,000
Egypt *43,400
Palestine
Black Sea
Mesopotamia and North-West Persia
Colonies 9,600
France and Flanders 3,400
India and Aden 64,000
Miscellaneous 7,500
Total 295,000
* It is not considered desirable to specify exactly what troops we have in Egypt, Palestine, the Black Sea and Mesopotamia, and North-West Persia, and accordingly I give the total for those areas.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Could my right hon. Friend say when he is going to take the Supplementary Army Estimates?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am entirely in the hands of my superiors.

Mr. HOGGE

How many of the troops at home are in Ireland?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I gave that the other day. There are nearly 50,000 men in Ireland.