§ 19. Captain R. TERRELLasked 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. WILLIAMSONThe 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 TERRELLMay I have a reply to the last part of the question—What is the Estimate of reduction for the coming six months?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am afraid it is not possible to give a very accurate estimate, but the impression is that there will be a reduction.