§ The following question stood on the Paper in the name of Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state what money is being spent during the current year in Mesopotamia on roads, railways, canals, and 1912 Government buildings; what money does he estimate will be required next year for these undertakings; and how does he propose to recover this capital expenditure?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI have been asked to postpone this question, which has been on the Paper for three weeks. May I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how it is that his Department is not cognisant of the information asked for about the capital expenditure in Mesopotamia?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have asked the hon. and gallant Gentleman to address his question to the India Office, which is administering Mesopotamia on behalf of the Government. If he would put the question to the India Office I think he will get the information he desires.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI am very willing to change the question to the India Office. The last part of the question asks the Chancellor of the Exchequer how he proposes to recover this capital expenditure. Surely that is a question which only he can answer?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINAt present I am not prepared to put forward any proposals for recovering the capital expenditure. That must depend on future developments and financial conditions in Mesopotamia.