HC Deb 28 July 1919 vol 118 cc1812-3
87. Lieut.-Colonel MALONE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that gratuities arc not allowable alter the 3rd August next to officers and men serving in the Army of Occupation, he will cause payment to be made of the amounts due up to that date as soon as possible and not hold ii over until the expiration of their service?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)

War gratuities become payable on 4th August, and will be paid with the least possible delay. I hope it will be generally recognised that, owing to the very large numbers concerned the process of payment will necessarily occupy some time.

37. Lieut.-Colonel HILDER

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction among the people of Belgium regarding the choice of Rotterdam instead of Antwerp as the base of supply for the British Army of the Rhine; and whether, in the circumstances, ho can see his way to change the base to Antwerp in view of the importance of helping Belgium in her economic reconstruction?

Mr. CHURCHILL

My right has Friend has asked me to answer this question. The present tonnage carried through Rotterdam on behalf of the War Department is not more than 900 tons per month, but the policy is to concentrate the bulk of the traffic upon Antwerp, in the pro portion of three to one.

Lieut.-Colonel HILDER

Is there any reason why Antwerp should not be entirely used instead of Rotterdam, and are not the facilities at Antwerp greater than at Rotterdam?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The whole process of supplying the Rhine Army is a very complicated and technical matter, and I cannot see what inducement the military authorities have but to choose the most easy and convenient method of victualling the Army. That, I gather, is that it should be three-quarters through Antwerp and one quarter through Rotterdam.

Lieut.-Colonel HILDER

Should we not assist those who have fought alongside of us rather than neutrals, however friendly they may have been?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I think there is a great deal to be said for that. There is also a great deal to be said for victualling the Army by the best means, having regard to the expense involved.