§ 5 and 6. Mr. KINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether he will state the financial arrangements in connection with the transport of British guns, munitions, stores, and equipment over French railways to the Western front; whether any charge falls on the War Office in this connection; if so, what amount was paid, due, or claimed for railway transport of such traffic during the first twelve months of the War; and (2) what are the financial arrangements in connection with the transport of British troops by French railways to the Western front; whether any charge falls on the War Office in this connection; and, if so, what amount was paid, due, or claimed for railway transport of men during the first twelve months of the War?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)Payment will be made in due course to the French railways concerned for these services, but the detailed arrangements are not yet complete. No payment was made in the first twelve months of the War, and I am unable to state what sum was due for transport of men during that period.
§ Mr. KINGCan the hon. Gentleman tell me whether this figure will appear in the accounts which will be submitted to the Public Accounts Committee in the course of this present year?
§ Mr. FORSTERI hope so.