§ Lieut.-Colonel PICKERINGasked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the advisability of demobilizing artillery defence units, in view of the expense of their maintenance and the improbability of their being used?
§ Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYAs I have already stated, the Defence Force will be demobilised as soon as the situation admits, but in the meantime I do not think it is desirable to demobilise a part of the Force as suggested. Artillery units are, of course, available for guard duties like other units.
§ Brigadier-General COLVINasked the Secretary of State for War whether the present circumstances are such as to enable him to permit a percentage of members of the Defence Corps to be granted permanent leave pending the disbandment of this force?
§ Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYInstructions were issued early in May last authorising officers commanding units to grant such leave to soldiers of the Defence Force up to a maximum of 10 per cent. per unit.