§ 81 and 82. Viscount Hinchingbrookeasked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he will give some estimate of the value to our rearward services in Italy of the help rendered by Italian pioneer units or labour battalions;
(2) what is the approximate strength of Italian partisan forces in northern Italy; what areas they hold; and how many German divisions are contained by their operations.
§ The Secretary of State for War (Sir James Grigg)A large number of Italian 2383 partisans are fighting the enemy very gallantly. A certain amount of arms has been delivered to them. We are also receiving help from Italian Pioneer and Labour units which is of considerable value to our rearward services. It would not, however, be in the public interest to disclose further details.