§ Sir P. Macdonaldasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the large number of skilled draughtsmen who are still employed in R.E.M.E. on work which could equally well be performed by less skilled men; and whether, in view of the shortage of skilled draughtsmen in industries, he will make arrangements whereby more of these men can be released from the Army at an early date.
§ Mr. LawsonThe total strength of mechanical draughtsmen in R.E.M.E., at home and abroad, is 363, and some of these are due for release in the near future. This represents present Army requirements which are constantly under review and all the men are employed to the limit of their capacity, except possibly for isolated cases where moves and reductions of establishments are in process of being carried out. In the circumstances I see no reason for special release arrangements.