HC Deb 09 November 1920 vol 134 c982
19. Captain R. TERRELL

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can now inform the House what is the present cost of the operations in Mesopotamia; whether there has been any reduction within the last six months; and what is the Estimate for the coming six months?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

The present rate of expenditure in Mesopotamia and North West Persia is, as I informed the hon. Member for Wigan (Mr. J. Parkinson) on 26th October, at the rate of 2½ millions a month. Owing to the special measures taken during the summer to deal with the rebellion, this rate is higher than it was six months ago. I am hopeful of effecting a substantial reduction within the coming six months.

Captain TERRELL

May I have a reply to the last part of the question—What is the Estimate of reduction for the coming six months?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

I am afraid it is not possible to give a very accurate estimate, but the impression is that there will be a reduction.