HC Deb 30 March 1926 vol 193 cc1821-2
22. Mr. HAMMERSLEY

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the proportion of the Royal Tank Corps personnel, officers and men, separately, now serving with the corps who have seen active service with the tanks during the European War, 1914 to 1918?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON - EVANS

There are at present 344 officers serving in the Royal Tank Corps, of whom 64 have served on active service with the corps. I regret that similar information in respect of other ranks is not available.

Mr. HAMMERSLEY

In view of the necessity of conserving our practical experience of tanks, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of impressing on his Department the fact that seniority of both branches of the Service is not necessarily a qualification for the Tank Corps personnel?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

Yes, Sir. I do not, however, think that they need to have that impressed upon them.

23. Mr. HAMMERSLEY

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of fighting tanks that were available for active service on 11th November, 1918; the number of fighting tanks which are now available for active service; and, in respect to the latter number, will he discriminate between tanks of post-war design and otherwise?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

The number of fighting tanks that were available for active service on 11th November, 1918, cannot be given without considerable research. There are 120 tanks of post-War design now available and 199 of War design, many of which would require repair before they would be fit for active service.