§ Mr. GWYNNEasked the Secretary of State for War whether it has been arranged for the Road Board to undertake the maintenance and repair of certain roads in France; whether the War Office, through the Road Board, are now endeavouring to obtain men in this country to carry out this work and are offering to give them 3s. a day, with separation allowance, pensions, and all expenses found; and, if so, will he explain why this form of work, which entails little or no danger to life, is worth much better pay than work in the trenches?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe maintenance of the roads referred to remains in the direct control of the military authorties, but they will have the assistance of the late chief engineer of the Road Board. The terms offered are for expert road makers over military age. Their services are most urgently required, and I am assured that they could not be obtained at smaller cost.