§ Mr. GODFREY COLLINSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can say the cost of His Majesty's ships in Indian waters, including interest on the original cost and depreciation of ships, for which a contribution is received annually from the Indian Government; and can he say the total contribution received from the Indian Government for the use of these ships?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe annual cost of His Majesty's East Indies squadron, allowing a charge for depreciation, is approximately £393,000, towards which India is contributing a lump sum of £100,000 per annum and the cost of two ships specially employed in connection with the suppression of the arms traffic in the Persian Gulf, 1561 estimated at £67,500, a total repayment at the rate of £167,600 per annum. A balance of £225,000 thus remains chargeable to Navy Votes for services rendered to India.