Mr. MALONEasked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he is aware of the treatment meted out to 20 or 30 temporary officers of the Royal Engineers in the Egyptian Army of Occupation, who are being retained in Egypt against their will, in spite of the fact that conscription is no longer in force; that as G.R.O. 613 (20th January, 1920) expressly stipulates that non-Regular officers may be retained provided no Regular officers are available to relieve them, the units are being kept below strength, and that Regular officers are proceeding to India, etc., on leave, 70W and some to Chatham for the purpose of attending educational courses; and, if so, whether he will take immediate action to ensure these temporary officers being speedily demobilised?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLTwenty - three officers are retained with the Royal Engineers in Egypt and Palestine. Every effort is being made to replace them by Regular officers or by officers who have volunteered for retention.