§ 85. Lord John Hopeasked the Secretary of State for War to what extent the 28W number of officers in Pioneer Corps units stationed in North Africa is surplus to requirements; and whether he will see that the release of Pioneer Corps officers in Group 26 is not further deferred.
§ Mr. Lawson:So far from the number of Pioneer Corps officers in North Africa being in excess of requirements, there is a serious shortage of such officers both in North Africa and in other theatres. As regards the second part of the Question, the matter is under urgent consideration, both in the War Office and in the Middle East, with a view to reducing the numbers who may have to be deferred on grounds of military necessity and the period of deferment to the minimum.