§ 39. Mr. THURTLEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is proposed to submit a Supplementary Estimate to provide for the cost of the Shanghai Defence Force?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)I have been asked to reply. The answer is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. THURTLEWill the right hon. Gentleman say when that Estimate is likely to be submitted to the House?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSShortly.
§ 72. Colonel APPLINasked the Secretary of State for War what length of front it will be necessry to hold in order to ensure the safety of the inhabitants of Shanghai and the number of troops necessary to occupy it effectively?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe length of front of the international settlement at Shanghai, exclusive of the French concession, is approximately 16 miles. It is not in the public interest to give the other information asked for.
§ Colonel APPLINMay I ask if the troops now on their way to Shanghai are more than sufficient for the actual protective defence of that front?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNo, Sir, I think not.
§ Mr. MACLEANIs it in the public interest to make such a reply?
§ Mr. THURTLECan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the length of the Shanghai front? What part of Shanghai is it proposed to defend If the right hon. Gentleman does not know that, how is he able to say whether the troops are sufficient or not?
§ Captain GARRO-JONESHas the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to prevent the purchase of aeroplanes and the hiring of pilots in European countries for service in China?
§ Mr. THURTLEMay I press for an answer to my question? Is the right hon. Gentleman able to tell the House the length of the Shanghai front to be defended?
§ 74. Mr. GILLETTasked the Secretary of State for War the estimated cost of transport for conveying the troops at present under orders to proceed from this country to China?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe estimated cost of conveying the troops which form part of the Shanghai Defence Force from the United Kingdom and Malta to China is £645,000.