§ 72. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will give the names of the British staff of the Reparations Commission resident in Bulgaria, the total annual cost of the Commission, and the amount of reparations, if any, received from Bulgaria?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe British delegate on Inter-Allied Commission in Bulgaria is; Sir E. Colvin, who is assisted by a secretary (Mr. Bruce), seven assistants, one-translator, and two typists. Four of these posts will shortly cease on completion of existing contracts. The cost of the Commission, which does not fall on the British Exchequer, is for 1922, approximately, £42,000, and for 1923 is estimated at £33,000. I understand that Bulgaria has not yet paid any reparation in cash, but has made certain deliveries in kind, mainly to Serbia.
§ Mr. DAVIESCan we have from the right hon. Gentleman the value of the goods that Bulgaria has paid in kind?
§ Mr. BALDWINI will see whether that can be obtained.
§ Lord R. CECILIs it not true that though technically the expenditure for this Commission will not fall on the British Exchequer yet, in point of fact, there is no possiblity of receiving any reparation payment from Bulgaria, and therefore it has to be paid for by the British Exchequer; and is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this is a 891 tremendous burden on the, finances of Bulgaria though the sum does not appear to us to be very large?