asked the Secretary of State for War the percentage reduction in the staff of General Headquarters, Middle East Force, since the formation of Allied Group Headquarters?

I regret that the percentage is not readily available.

In view of the problem of man-power and the change in the military situation, is it not timely now to review the very considerable force of staff officers at Cairo?

This is a question which is continually under review.

If my right hon. Friend is not able to give the percentage, can he give, at any rate, the assurance that some reduction has taken place in the headquarters staff?

The process of adjusting the staff and the Forces in the Middle East to the military tasks which they are called upon to perform is one which is going on constantly.

Will the Secretary of State for War give an undertaking that the staff at Cairo is reviewed at an early date?

As I said, the review is constantly going on, and in fact papers relating to the question are on my table now.