§ Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether lie is aware of the disappointment which is felt throughout Lanarkshire at the proposal to amalgamate the l/6th Scottish Rifles (the Cameronians), which is the local Territorial regiment, with the l/5th Scottish Rifles, which is recruited from another district, and the local desire that the l/6th Battalion, which has so highly distinguished itself again and again when in action since the beginning of the War, should retain its identity; whether he will consider the advisability of maintaining the battalion at full strength by drawing upon the 2/6th and the 3/6th Scottish Rifles Reserve Battalions, or by drafting into the l/6th Battalion men already enlisted who belong to Lanarkshire; and whether he is prepared to take steps to have the matter reconsidered?
§ Mr. TENNANTI can understand and I can fully sympathise with any disappointment which may be felt at the amalgamation of the two battalions mentioned. This consideration was, of course, present to the minds of the military authorities in France and of those at homo, by both of whom the matter was most carefully considered. I can only say that the amalgamation was necessary in the national interest, and I feel sure that when the people of Lanarkshire realise this their patriotism will enable them to accept the situation cheerfully and that they will fully appreciate that the amalgamation does not imply any want of recognition of the valuable services given by the two battalions in question.