§ 63. Lieut. - Colonel DALRYMPLE WHITEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that in March, 1919, there was already stored in Mesopotamia sufficient fuel-wood to last the Army of Occupation for ten years; that notwithstanding this, 5,000 extra tons of fuel-wood were shipped from India in March; whether any further shipments have been made since March; and what steps have been taken to deal with the officials responsible for this waste?
§ Mr. FORSTERI think my hon. and gallant Friend has been misinformed. A reserve supply of fuel for seventy-five days is maintained in Mesopotamia. Shipments representing twelve days' supply were made above this standard during March, as it is inconvenient to ship this commodity during the monsoon season. I understand that no further shipments have been made since the 27th March.
§ Lieut.-Colonel WHITEIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to say that there was only seventy-five days' supply in Mesopotamia on the date mentioned?
§ Mr. FORSTERSeventy-five days' supply is the normal standard, and shipments representing twelve additional days' supply were made during March.