§ 57. Mr. LAMBERTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state the total cost of the War to the United Kingdom up to the 31st March last?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIt would perhaps have been possible to answer the right hon. Member's question with more confidence had he indicated in his question the assumptions on which he wished the calculation to be based. As it is I give the answer with all reserves.
After making the allowance usually taken for normal peace expenditure on the one hand and for debts due from the Dominions and Allies on the other hand, 197 and after taking account of other Vote of Credit assets, the net cost of the War to the Exchequer of the United Kingdom up to the 31st March last, on the basis of Exchequer issues during the five years ending the 31st March last, may be estimated in round figures at £6,700,000,000. These figures are, of course, exclusive of liabilities in respect of the War, accruing after the 31st March last, and of losses to private citizens, localities, and trades in so far as these losses have not been made good out of the Exchequer.
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI said after making the allowance usually made for loans to the Dominions and Allies, that is really taking credit for half of the amount of the loans.
§ General CROFTIs that the bill which has been presented to our enemies?