§ Mr. Gledhillasked the Secretary of State for War how many men of military age are now employed in the lands branch; and whether those who are physically fit will be released and replaced by men over military age?
§ Sir J. GriggThe staff of the Lands Branch in the War Office and in Commands includes 219 commissioned officers under 41. All these are technical officers with professional qualifications for the work they are doing. In addition one clerk under 41 is employed in the Lands Branch at the War Office and there are some in Commands. There are not many but in the time available I have not been able to find out how many. As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, the War Department land and compensation interests are necessarily very extensive and complex in war time and it is essential for the Army and for the general public that the officers dealing with the problems which arise should in all respects be equal to their responsibilities. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to replace those officers who are medically fit for combatant service and I do not consider that their loss to the Lands Branch would on balance be justified.