§ Mr. LOUGHasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the 47th (London) Division, which did so well at Loos, has never since been brought up to strength; whether before the recent affair on the Vimy Ridge one battalion (the London Irish) has been reduced to 250 by the ordinary casualties of trench warfare; if so, whether the War Office have considered the effect of such depletion, when long continued, on the efficiency of the division; and whether this depletion partly accounted for the losses incurred on the Vimy Ridge?
§ Mr. TENNANTThis is a class of question which I have already stated my inability to deal with publicly without detriment to the public interest. My right hon. Friend may, however, be assured that the effects on efficiency of any and all cir-346W cumstances are the constant and daily study of the military authorities on the spot and at the War Office.