§ 21. Captain Sidneyasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can announce the composition of the Canadian First Army now engaged in operations against the enemy.
§ Sir J. GriggI regret that I cannot give my hon. and gallant Friend the full composition of the First Canadian Army now engaged in operations against the enemy, as such information would be of the greatest value to the enemy at the present time while the battle is still in progress. As my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, the strength and composition of an Army vary with the tasks assigned to it. He has, no doubt, seen in the Press mention of some United Kingdom units which are fighting as part of this Army. United Kingdom troops in fact form two-thirds of the First Canadian Army at the present time.
§ Captain SidneyIs it a fact that some three weeks ago there appeared in the Canadian Press a statement to the effect that the British contingent formed some 75 per cent. of the First Canadian Army?
§ Sir J. GriggThere is not a vast deal of difference between two-thirds and three-quarters. In any case, the composition of the Army varies from time to time.
§ Mr. WoodburnCould my right hon. Friend make clear to the public whether there is a British First Army or whether the Canadian First Army is the British First Army?