HC Deb 15 November 1927 vol 210 cc810-1
20. Mr. ROBINSON

asked the Secretary of State for War whether all the reservists called up for service in China will be returned to Britain in time to eat their Christmas dinner with their families; and, if not, what reservists will remain in the China defence force after Christmas, 1927?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

All Section A reservists, other than those detained by sickness or other unforeseen causes, will have left China before Christmas, but I am not sure whether those sailing in the last ship will reach their homes by Christmas.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cost of one of the most fundamental things for enjoying Christmas and the New Year is just half the price in Shanghai compared with the price in Great Britain?

27. Mr. TREVELYAN

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British troops there have been in China belonging to the Shanghai defence force in each month from July to the present date;

Date. Number of Infantry Units stationed at—
Shanghai. Hong Kong. Tientsin. Wei-Hai-Wei.
1st July … … … 10 5* 1 1
1st August … … … 8 5* 1 1
1st September … … … 8 5* 1 1
1st October … … … 6‡ 4† 1 1
1st November … … … 6¾‡ 3† 1 1 Company
1. The above table does not include—
(i) One Royal Marine Battalion which was stationed at Shanghai from February to September, when it was reduced in strength by approximately half.
(ii) The normal infantry garrison in China which consists of two battalions at Hong Hong and one battalion at Tientsin.
2. * Includes four battalions of the 15th Brigade, and
† Includes three battalions of the 15th Brigade.
‡ Includes one battalion of the 15th Brigade.