§ Mr. FORRESTasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can, in general terms, inform the House what war material belonging to his Department remains unused on the other side of the Channel, apart from that belonging actually to the Army of Occupation; where is is chiefly lying; and whether, before the coming winter sets in, he will have disposed of all of it?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONAll war material in France not actually in use by the troops has been thrown up to the Disposal Board, except about 1,000 tons of supplies consisting mainly of heavy lubricating oils, a small amount of mechanical transport and some spare parts which are awaiting shipment to this country. Most of this material is lying at Calais, and it is anticipated that it will be shipped by the middle of July. In addition, there are approximately 8,000 railway wagons and 300 ambulance coaches still to be returned to this country. About 60 ambulance coaches and some wagons are in use by the Army of the Rhine; of the remainder, the bulk of the ambulance coaches are understood to be at Audruicq, while the wagons are scattered over the various French railway systems, but are being collected for shipment to this country. It is hoped to bring back all the rolling-stock before the winter.