§ LORD DAVIESMy Lords, I beg to ask my second question.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask his Majesty's Government whether it is proposed to re-arm the five companies of the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps, consisting of friendly aliens employed with the B.E.F. in France, when the combatant Divisions and Home Guards have been re-equipped; and whether in future these companies will enjoy the same status as other companies in this Corps.]
§ LORD CROFTMy Lords, in view of the good work carried out by the friendly alien Auxiliary Military Pioneer companies during the operations on the Continent, and more especially in the latter part of the operations in France, the question of altering the war equipment to include arms is at present under discussion. The Home Guards will first have to be equipped.