asked the Secretary of State for War what percentage of mechanics in the Army has been upgraded during the war from the lowest grades in the trades to which they have been attached?

The process of upgrading is continuous, and a large number of men have qualified for a higher grade since enlistment. I regret that no figures are readily available from which an answer to my hon. Friend's Question can be calculated.

Could the right hon. Gentleman suggest that it would be desirable to have more men upgraded than at present, considering the type of warfare we are experiencing at the present time?

To the best of my information all the people who can be upgraded are upgraded.

Is it not a fact that a considerable amount of accommodation and of teachers available for this are not being used at the present time?

I am not aware of that. If the hon. Member has any specific instances of that, I shall be glad to see them.