67. Captain BENNasked what sum is taken in the present year's Estimates towards the cost of the British Expeditions in Russia?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe troops in Russia were included with the Home and Colonial Establishments, as shown in Army Vote A passed by the House in February last, and the provision made was based on the estimated total strength without reference to the area in which the troops might be employed. I regret, therefore, that I am unable to separate the provision in Estimates for troops in Russia from that for troops in this country.
§ Sir D. MACLEANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Secretary of State for War, on the Adjournment Motion, promised me that if a question was addressed to his Department that he would be able to give an estimate as to the cost to this country of the troops in Russia?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am not aware that there was anything in the nature of a binding promise. My right hon. Friend said if it was possible to give the information it would be made available.
68. Captain BENNasked the total sum spent since the Armistice on the wars in Russia, distinguishing, if possble, the cost of shipping freights and munitions from the cost of maintenance of personnel?
§ Mr. FORSTERI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull.
Captain BENNDoes that mean that the Government cannot state how many men are in Russia or how much it is costing?
§ Mr. FORSTERIt means that I cannot state it without a very great deal of elaborate work, such as I am not prepared to undertake at the present moment. The hon. and gallant Member will remember that the form in which our accounts are kept is prescribed by Parliament, and the form in which these accounts are kept do 1335 not enable me, without a great deal of research, to dig out the information for which he asks.
Captain BENNDoes the answer mean that the Government is not in possession of the information showing what the Russian adventure is costing this country?
§ Mr. FORSTERI do not know what the hon. and gallant Member means by "in possession." Of course, all the details of the accounts are given, and calculations can be made as to what all these expeditions cost, but the means of ascertaining the precise amount are not readily available and will not be available until the full accounts are received.
Captain BENNWill the right hon. Gentleman say what amount of tonnage which is needed for other purposes is being used in supplying munitions to Russia?
§ Mr. FORSTERHow is it possible that I can give that information without notice?