§ Mr. WISEasked the Secretary of State for War what was the total strength of the Rhine Army on 31st December, 1928; what will be the additional cost of maintaining, equipping, housing, and arming these forces per annum to the British taxpayer now that the German taxpayer has ceased to pay for them; and whether, now that there is no longer any need to maintain a Rhine garrison, he proposes to reduce the British Army accordingly?
2128W
§ Mr. SHAWThe total strength of the British Army of the Rhine (including the Saar detachment) on 31st December, 1928, was approximately 6,100. The financial effect of the withdrawal of these troops is being considered in connection with next year's Army Estimates and I shall deal with the subject in my speech on the introduction of those Estimates. As regards the last part of the question, the units of the British Army which served on the Rhine were regarded as on the Home Establishment and formed an integral part of the home forces. The question of the numbers of the forces is quite separate from the return of the men from the Rhine and I cannot make a statement of policy at present.