§ 31. Mr. LAMBERTasked the Prime Minister whether, as the expenditure on the military forces in Mesopotamia and Persia, to be borne by the British taxpayer, is at the rate of £475,000 per week, or £24,700,000 a year, as against an estimate of £16,000,000, he can give some idea of the commensurate value that will accrue to Britain through this great expenditure?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt would not be possible to discuss the general policy to be adopted in Mesopotamia by question and answer. An opportunity for such a discussion will, I understand, occur on Wednesday.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWill it be in order to discuss the general policy as to the future of Mesopotamia on the Army Vote?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not know whether it will be in order, but I think it will be very difficult to prevent any general discussion, owing to the fact that it is in military occupation.
§ Mr. LAMBERTDo the Government propose to go on spending at the rate of £24,700,000 a year on Mesopotamia?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI can answer that at once by saying "No."
Mr. C. PALMERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is an intense public feeling against this excessive military expenditure in the Middle East?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI know there is a very strong feeling, which is probably shared by the whole House, that it is desirable to cut down expenditure, where possible. The question as to where it is possible must be considered in each case on its merits.
§ Captain W. BENNWill it be necessary to introduce a Vote supplementary to the Vote already presented to the House for Mesopotamia?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is impossible to say now. The hope was that the military 1731 forces in Mesopotamia would be gradually reduced during the year. Whether that hope will be realised or not I cannot say.