§ LORD AMPTHILLIf there is any representative of the War Office present I should like an answer to the Questions that stand in my name—viz.: (1) Whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to reduce the size of the "Sealed Pattern" invasion allowed by the Defence Committee in order to make it more commensurate with the Forces which would be available for Home Defence if this country were involved in a European war; (2) What number of men are required for (a) obligatory garrisons, including Ireland, in time of war; (b) the local defence forces; (c) the "central swiftly moving" force; and how many of the men supposed to be available for these purposes at the present time are returned as recruits, sick, inefficient, under age, and absent; also whether the Special Reserve will be used for garrisons or drafts.
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (EARL BEAUCHAMP)To the first Question the reply is in the negative. The answer to the second Question is that as these figures relate to mobilisation His Majesty's Government are unable to supply them as asked by the noble Lord.