HC Deb 20 July 1926 vol 198 cc1024-5
14. Mr. RENNIE SMITH

asked the Secretary of State for War whether military manoeuvres, including gunfire, take place on Sundays in public parks in the Rhineland?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the. WAR OFFICE (Captain Douglas King)

I am making inquiries on this matter, the result of which I will communicate to the hon. Member.

15. Mr. SMITH

also asked what is the number of British troops in the Rhineland area, and what the number was a year ago?

Captain KING

The approximate numbers of troops serving in the British Army of the Rhine on 1st July, 1926, and 1st July, 1925, were 8,000 and 9,000 respectively.

16. Mr. SMITH

further asked the Secretary of State if lie is aware that hardship is being caused over housing, clue to the accommodation of British troops in the Rhineland, and will he inquire into the matter?

Captain KING

I have no reason to believe that undue hardship has been caused. I do not think that a general inquiry into the matter would serve any useful purpose, seeing that every effort has been and will continue to be made to ensure that the accommodation of the British Army of the Rhine causes the minimum of inconvenience in the occupied area.

Mr. SMITH

Is there any proposal to reduce the number of troops?

Viscountess ASTOR

Is it not true that the British troops are extremely popular in the Rhineland?

Captain KING

In answer to the hon. Member for Penistone (Mr. R. Smith) he will see from my previous answer that the numbers have been reduced during the past 12 months.