§ 54. Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the Prime Minister whether, for the purpose of assisting the British delegates on the Inter-Allied Commission now sitting to consider Germany's financial position, they have been furnished with any estimate of the cost to Britain of the War; and, if so, will he state the amount of such estimate?
65. Lieutenant-Colonel GUINNESSasked the Prime Minister whether our representatives on the Reparation Committee of the Peace Conference have been instructed as a matter of principle to table the total amount of the British claim against Germany for the cost of the War, without waiting for any decision as to means for payment; and whether he will arrange for the early publication of these figures?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot add anything to the replies which have been given to similar questions on this subject.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister just before the War gave an official estimate that the cost of the War to Great Britain as £8,000,000,000?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not remember that particular figure. My hon. Friend may rest assured that all these facts are in possession of our representatives at the Conference.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWill the cost and damage to person and property caused by enemy air raids be included in such estimate?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot imagine any committee forgetting that.
Lieutenant-Colonel GUINNESSWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question as to the early publication of these figures?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have answered a similar question to the effect that it did not seem right to publish the amount of the claim.