HC Deb 15 June 1921 vol 143 cc413-4
78. Lord ROBERT CECIL

asked what is the monthly cost of the Army of Occupation on the Rhine?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

I would refer my Noble Friend to the answer given on 12th May last, to a question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Leith, a copy of which I am sending him.

79. Lord R. CECIL

asked what is the monthly cost of the British troops in Silesia?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

About £77,000 a month, but this sum is covered by the cost of the Rhine force referred to in my previous answer.

Lord R. CECIL

Is there any additional cost in consequence of the recent action of the Government?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

I do not think there is.

Captain W. BENN

If there is no additional cost of taking these troops away, what is the need for keeping them on the Rhine?—[HON. MEMBERS: "Ridiculous!"]

80. Mr. HOGGE

asked what is the approximate present monthly cost of maintaining our forces in Palestine?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

The average monthly cost of our forces in Palestine in the current financial year is estimated at £380,000.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

What would be the cost of maintaining these troops in England?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

I cannot carry the figures in my head.

82. Mr. KENYON

asked whether there are any British troops at present in Persia, and what is the monthly cost of their maintenance?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

There are no British troops in Persia beyond a few individual officers lent as instructors to the Persian Army, and paid for by the Persian Government. The second part of the question does not arise.