HC Deb 21 July 1926 vol 198 cc1217-8
36. Sir F. WISE

asked the Secretary Of State for War the cost of the Army of Occupation from 1st April to 30th June, 1926; the cost for the same period of 1925; and the numbers of troops for the same date in 1925 and 1926?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)

I regret that figures of actual expenditure for the periods in question are not available. For the full financial year 1925–26 the estimated expenditure was £2,089,000, and for the current year £1,854,700. The approximate average number of officers and other ranks during April-June, 1925, was 8,900, and for the same period of 1926 was 8,000.

Sir F. WISE

Do the Dominions pay towards this amount?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

No. There is an adjustment out of the German Reparation payments. In that sense the Dominions contribute because they are among the ultimate beneficiaries of the receipts from reparations.

Sir F. WISE

Does the right hon. Gentleman think the Dominions should pay towards this amount?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON - EVANS

That is not a matter upon which it is desirable that I should express an opinion at this moment.