§ Sir R. Glynasked the Secretary of State for War how many men have been discharged, or are under notice to leave, the remount depot at Arborfield, Berkshire; what is their average length of service both in the Army and since joining the reserve; and what steps are to be taken to find them suitable employment, bearing in mind that they have no trade other than horse management?
Mr. CooperThe reduction and reorganisation of the remount service, resulting from the increased mechanisation of the Army, will entail a reduction in the establishment of the Arborfield depot on 31st March next. There will be a further reduction, probably not later than June next, when it is likely that the depot will be closed down. All employees have been warned of the early closing of the depot, but, apart from normal establishment fluctuations, no men at the depot have been discharged or given notice to leave, as it is not yet known what the requirements of the reorganised service will be or how many men can be absorbed in other Army occupations. The second part of the question does not therefore arise. As regards the last part, I cannot at present add anything to the reply which I gave on 26th January to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Newbury (Brigadier-General Brown).