§ Mr. GRUNDYasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office at what date the unit called the Egyptian Labour Corps was formed, and what is its present strength; whether this Corps is composed of British troops, and of what class or category; if not, of what nationalities is it composed, what is the Army rate of pay and general conditions of service, and what are the duties to which it is ordinarily assigned; whether when engaged on civilian work it is paid the rate of pay current in the district in which it is employed; whether the circular of the War Office asking for information as to the willingness of troops to assist in strikebreaking and their attitude towards trade unionism was sent out to the officer commanding the Egyptian Labour Corps; whether it was due to the favourable nature of the reply that action was taken in the recent strike of the coolies employed in coaling ships at the Suez Canal; and whether he will lay upon the Table of the House the whole orrespondcence which has occurred between himself and the Commanding Officer of the Egyptian Labour Corps on this subject?
§ Mr. FORSTERAs regards the earlier part of the question, I have not the information available at present, but I will take steps to obtain it. As regards the last part of the question, the circular referred to was issued only to commands in this country.