asked the Secretary of State for War the total strength of the British Army on 31st December, 1946, and its estimated strength on 31st December, 1947, on the basis of the estimates contained in Cmd. 7042.

The strength of the Army on 31st December, 1946, was 896,757, including A.T.S. Exact figures cannot be given at this stage. A provisional estimate is that the strength on 31st December, 1947, will be in the neighbourhood of 660,000, but it clearly depends on a number of factors which cannot yet be resolved.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, having given those provisional figures, also give the provisional release programme, taking the release groups of the Army up to 31st December, 1947?

I do not think that arises on this Question.