§ 27. Mr. Lyonsasked the Secretary of State for War whether the 44th (Leicestershire Regiment) Anti-Aircraft Battalion, Royal Engineers, is up to establishment strength in men and equipment or what respective deficiencies now exist; and what is the location of the complementary artillery defence unit?
Mr. CooperThe 44th (Leicestershire Regiment) Anti-Aircraft Battalion, Royal Engineers, has at present 22 officers and 283 other ranks towards an establishment of 42 officers and 1,294 other ranks, but as the unit was only formed in December last, these figures are not discouraging. The full provisional scale of searchlight equipment has been issued, and full equipment will be issued as it becomes available. The artillery unit of the 32nd (South Midland) Anti-Aircraft Group of which the 44th (Leicestershire Regiment) Anti-Aircraft Battalion, Royal Engineers, forms part, is located at Birmingham.
§ Mr. LyonsMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman, firstly, whether the issued equipment has been received or not; secondly, whether the Birmingham location of the artillery unit is satisfactory for use in conjunction with the anti-aircraft unit that distance away; and, thirdly, when can a statement as to improved conditions of service be expected?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. and learned Gentleman had better put those questions on the Paper.