§ Mr. GRUNDYasked the Secretary of State for War whether the men serving with Army Post Office No. 3 have been told that the only men who will be released are those over forty-seven, those over forty-six who have been overseas two years, those over forty-five who have been overseas three years, and those over forty who have been overseas since August, 1914; whether he will state the approximate number of troops in France on 11th November, 1918, and the llth March, 1919, respectively: whether he will give similar figures for the Royal Engineers, Postal Section, on the same dates; and whether he will make every endeavour to secure the release of all long service men?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLInquiries will be made regarding the first part of my hon. Friend's question and he will be informed of the result as early as possible. With regard to the second and third parts of the question, I am informed that on the 9th November, 1918, the total strength of2246W British troops in France, including effectives and non-effectives, but not including coloured labour, was:
and that the strength of the Royal Engineers, Postal Section (effectives only),was:
Officers … 63,472 Other Ranks … 1,485,302 and on the 8th March, 1919 Officers … 46,777 Other Ranks … 821,388 1,789 on the 9th November, 1918.
1,745 on the 8th March, 1919.
The dates I have given are the neares to those mentioned by my hon. Friend on which returns were received. With regard to the last part of the question ever; endeavour has always been and will continue to be made to secure the release of long service men.