asked the Under-Secretary of State for War to what category men of the Royal Defence Corps belong; what duties they are now carrying out; the present strength of the corps; whether a certain number of them were employed up till recently in constructing coast defence works; whether these works have since been abandoned in an unfinished condition; and, if so, whether, in view of the shortage of men, he will explain why the Royal Defence Corps was put to this use?

The answer to the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is Category B2. The remainder of his question cannot be answered without giving information of value to the enemy. I cannot, therefore, give it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in view the great use to which these men can be put, and will he consider the question of brigading them with other divisions?

Certainly.