Mr. T. WILSONasked the Under secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are men, skilled and un skilled, in the Royal Marine Engineers who are being employed in building a submarine base which cannot possibly be finished inside five years; that others are preparing a foundation for an ammunition storehouse; that the rest of the corps are doing nothing but drill; and whether he-will consider the advisability of putting the skill of these men to more practical use in civil occupations if there is no better need for them in the Army 2
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have been asked to answer this question. My ton. Friend is, I think, misinformed regarding the undertaking and period referred to in the first part of his question; and as regards the work referred to in the second part of his question, a small detachment of Royal Marine Engineers is at present employed in constructing accommodation which is urgently required by the Navy, and for which it has been impossible to obtain civil labour. As regards the latter parts of the question, I can assure my hon. Friend that these units are most usefully employed.