§ 43. Mr. KINGasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether, in view of the proposal to transport or deport Russian subjects of military age now in this country and in France 537 to Russia, he has made an estimate of the tonnage and cost involved in shipping 40,000 men from this country and France to Archangel; if so, whether he can state the requisite shipping and cost; and whether shipping is being held in readiness for this purpose immediately on the occasion arising?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING CONTROL (Sir Leo Chiozza Money)The hon. Gentleman's question is a hypothetical one, and I do not propose to employ time, therefore, in framing the estimates for which he asks.
§ Mr. KINGDoes that mean that the Government never make any estimate for events which will probably arise at an early date?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYIt does not mean that; it merely means that this is not a time to employ the time of overworked officials in framing replies to hypothetical questions.