§ 47. Mr. SNOWDENasked the Prime Minister if an import duty was charged by the French Government during the War on munitions sent from Great Britain to France for the use of British troops in France; if so, what was the amount of the duty and what was the total sum paid in such duties; and if the British Government were charged the cost of transporting these munitions over the French railways, and, if so, what was the sum paid?
The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Lieut.-Colonel Guinness)I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part, therefore, does not arise. As regards the third part, the British Government were charged the cost in question as part of the general French claim for transportation services, but details showing the amount included on account of the transportation of munitions are not available. The question of the general settlement with the French Government for transportation services is still under consideration.
§ Mr. SNOWDENIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the contractor stated in a Conservative newspaper last Saturday that an ad valorem duty of 10 per cent. was charged on munitions imported into France?
§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEIs it not a fact that the French Government gave reduced fares to the military who were travelling?