§ Sir REGINALD POLE-CAREWasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the strength of the expeditionary force available for mobilisation, the number of Regular troops included therein, the shortest time in which the force be mobilised and ready to embark, and, when mobilised, what would be the average percentage of men actually serving in the ranks per Regular line battalion and other units?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe numbers of men serving in the Regular Forces at home and in the Reserves are ample to meet the requirements of the expeditionary force, but the proportions vary according to the number of serving Regulars who may from time to time be available. In June last the latest date for which checked figures are available, there would have been 68,141 Regulars serving with the colours, (as distinct from Reservists) in the expeditionary force. The further details required regarding the arrangements for mobilisation I cannot undertake to publish.