§ 66. Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Secretary of State for War whether the amounts of £5,893,100 and £997,900, appearing on page 14 of the Army Estimates under the heading "Other Expenditure" in regard to Mesopotamia and Palestine, respectively, represent the excess cost of administration in those territories over and above the revenue collected and the cost of the military garrisons; and whether he will issue a White Paper giving itemised particulars regarding the nature of the expenditure accounted for under this head?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONThe sums shown for other expenditure on page 14 of Army Estimates relate to military expenditure only. As stated in the note on page' 15, they cover mainly Indian and local labour (in the countries in question) and miscellaneous expenses of Indian native troops. These expenses comprise expenditure in India on depots, relief units, ancillary services and stores in connection with the Indian units in Mesopotamia and Palestine. The amounts falling under these two heads are approximately: for Mesopotamia, expenditure in India, £4,482,000, labour, £1,411,000. Palestine: expenditure in India, £874,000; labour, £124,000. These figures will be duly set out in the complete edition of the Estimates shortly to be issued.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREDo I understand that the Indian Revenue is not being asked to defray any portion of this expenditure, and that the whole is falling on the British Revenue?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI should like to have notice of that question.
Sir J. D. REESHow do these figures come into the Army Estimates, from which previously anything in connection with India has been excluded? Will this be continued, or is it only a feature of the present moment?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONIt depends upon who pays for the Mesopotamia campaign.