BRITISH ARMY IN WAR TIME

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 134, 23 February 1918, Page 7

BRITISH ARMY IN WAR TIME

ESTIMATES DEBATED IN PARLIAMENT

SPLENDID YEAR'S RECORD

(Rec. February. 22, 7.40 p.m.)

London, February 21. In the House of Commons Mr. J. I. Macpherson (Under-Secretary to tho War Office) introducing the Army Estimates, said that the British captures during 1917 included 168 heavy howitzers, 68 heavy guns, 437. field guns, 1055 trench mortars, 2842 machine " guns. The Labour Corps now numbered 350,000. At least two million tons of shipping would bo saved, during 1918. During the year nearly seven million men, half a million animals, two hundred thousand vehicles, and nine and. a half million tons of stores had boon conveyed to the various fronts.

Replying to a suggestion that tliero ought to be an expert legal defender when a soldier who had previously suffered from shell shock appealed against the deatn sentence, Mr. Macpherson said that considering the extraordinary numbers in the Army of all classes and creeds, the executions for cowardice and desertion had been the smallest in the world's history. Amended regulations demanded tlia't all favourable facts should be stated regarding a soldier who had fallen from under strain. Such a man unquestionably would ieccivc British justice and fair play. Although the Allies at present were superior in men and guns on the West front, the balance would soon be in favour of the enemy, owing to the latter'a reinforcements from Russia. Already over twenty divisions had been so transferred, and wo must be prepared for determined enemy offensive. All necessary measures had been taken, and complete confidence prevailed in all ranks. He felt convinced that we could hold our own. Major David Davies demanded that Lord Derby should be removed from office "for having played the fool during, the crisis of the'past three, months and_ failing to stop the Press campaign, against the Generals \at a time when they ought to he collaborating to the utmost upon schemes for defence." The debate was adjourned.—Alls.* N.Z. Cable Assn. LORD DERBY MAY RESIGN. ' London, February 21. The "Manchester Guardian" says:. "It is now probable that' Lord Derby' will persist in his resignation, and it is likely that Mr. Lloyd George will assume his duties temporarily."—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.