§ 70. Mr. CHARLES EDWARDSasked how many Russian officers are being trained at the Newmarket camp; whether there are any other camps for similar purposes in this country; the weekly cost of such camps; and whether a certain number of these officers and their wives have been arrested; and, if so, what is the charge?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThere are 1,200 Russian officers being trained at Newmarket, but not all simultaneously, and at present there are 565 in the camp. No-other similar camps exist in the country. The weekly cost of the camp (including the camp staff) is approximately £4 5s. per officer inclusive of their pay at £2 10s. per week with rations. Ten Russians, including one woman, have been arrested on a charge of conspiracy in Bolshevik interests and interfering with the discipline and orderly conduct of the camp. The charge was preferred by other-Russians in the camp and is being carefully investigated.
§ Mr. C. EDWARDSHas any authorisation been given to the right hon. Gentleman to use British money for the training of Russian officers to fight against their own people?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLCertainly; the Cabinet authorised this expenditure in the ordinary course, subject, of course, to a Vote of Parliament, and we are training these officers in order that they may be able to take charge of Russian troops in those areas over which we have responsibility, and thus enable us to leave those areas.
§ Captain W. BENNIs the British taxpayer asked to pay the cost of training a Russian Army to be used against the Russian Government?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe British taxpayer is training these officers—who have been released from prison camps in Germany, where they have suffered a great deal—and restoring them so that they may go to take over the command of Russian troops who are fighting in areas where our troops are at present involved, and from which we intend to withdraw our troops.
§ Captain BENNHas an Estimate for this service in detail been laid before this House, and when?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir; but I think it is covered in the General Vote. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any doubt as to what the opinion of the House would be were such an Estimate put specifically before them, he will, perhaps, take some opportunity of challenging it.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWould the right hon. Gentleman care to consider the opinion of the country on this matter?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe Government is as good a judge of the opinion of the country as the hon. and gallant Member.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODrose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe have not time for these personal altercations.