§ Mr. ROYCEasked the Secretary of State for War whether the technical minimum for the Royal Engineers, Signal Section, in Egypt is 4,000 men; whether the total number of men available in that country under the War Office proposals is 1,400; whether the difference between the two figures is being made up of long-service men; and whether, in view of the 430W effect of this procedure on the men over forty-one who volunteered in 1914, he will take immediate steps to find a remedy for this state of affairs?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMy hon. Friend's figures are approximately correct. Steps have, however, already been taken to dispatch drafts of men who are retainable in the Army with a view to remedying the state of affairs referred to.