§ 23. Major GLYNasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can give the approximate cost to the War Office of the military and civilian labour engaged upon salvage work in France and Belgium between 1lth November, 1918, and 31st March, 1919, and the average monthly cost from that date; whether the military authorities are satisfied that the net result to be expected from the sale of much of the material salved, after collection and cost of transportation, maintenance, and protection is considered, will entail an actual loss to the country; and whether a good deal of the work of clearing the 2124 ground of shells and other litter can be now undertaken by the French authorities, in order to save this country needless expense and to permit the bulk of the-100,000 men in France and Belgium being released from military service and the attendant costs of administration dispensed with?
§ Mr. FORSTERIn reply to the first part of the question, I am attempting to collect the necessary data for an approximate estimate. With regard to the other points raised, I can add nothing to what my right lion. Friend said in Debate on the 12th instant.
Lieut.-Colonel THORNECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether a lot of the men involved in this question are simply fooling about doing nothing at all, and would not it be well to get rid of them and have them demobilised?
§ Mr. FORSTERIf the situation were really such as is described by my hon. Friend it would be very desirable to do-what he suggests.
§ Major GLYNHave any representations been made by the Quartermaster-General at the War Office to the effect that, in view of the cost of labour and maintenance, the obtaining of these surplus salvage materials in France has not paid according to the prices obtained by the Ministry of Munitions, and have representations been made by responsible officers of the War Office?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe whole thing has been very closely examined by the Government. Obviously it is not a question to be considered by one Department alone. No credit is given to Army funds in respect of sales of material.
§ Major GLYNIs it not a fact that the Government of the United States four weeks ago concluded an arrangement with the French Government whereby, for a lump sum, the French Government took over all American stores in France and undertook to clear them up and enable the American troops to be at once demobilised?
§ Mr. FORSTERI cannot answer as to arrangements made between the French and the American Governments.
§ Mr. FORSTERIf that be the case I hope there will be other advantages besides the purely financial advantages.
§ Brigadier-General COCKERILLWill the right hon. Gentleman look into the question himself, and see whether it is not possible to make some such arrangement as that which has been made between the French and the American Governments?
§ Mr. FORSTERI have been going into it closely myself during the last few days.
§ Major NALLIs it a fact that many officers are hanging on to their jobs in France, and as long as they are able will continue to do so, and that meantime they are keeping staffs there unnecessarily?
§ Mr. FORSTERThat is another aspect of the problem which has not escaped my notice.
§ Mr. ROSEIs it not true that the only advantage derived from this business is that it is keeping a lot of idlers in jobs?
§ Mr. FORSTEROh, dear me, no! The Ministry of Munitions confidentially expect to realise an enormous sum by the selling of surplus material.