19. M. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Secretary of State for War what was the expenditure in Mesopotamia from 1st April to 30th September last?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI would refer the hon. Member to my reply on 27th October to the hon. Mumber for Clitberoe.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think it gives all the information we can give at the present time, but I think it would be desirable to have a calculation made of the not extra cost of the Mcsopotamian garrison, and I will endeavour to have that done.
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONWill the right hon. Gentleman see that we get that information before the Debate on the Supplementary Estimate taka place?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLCertainly. I think that is very desirable. I did not know that any Debate was immediately in prospect.
§ Sir D. MACLEANWill the right hon. Gentleman say when the Supplementary Estimate will be laid on the Table?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs at present advised I do not think it will be necessary this Session. I think it will come on after Christmas. As far as I can see up to the present there is sufficient money available to carry on for the, time being. There are considerable economies in other branches of the service.
§ Sir D. MACLEANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a desire on the part of a very large number of Members to discuss the question of Government expenditure in Mesopotamia, and if it cannot be raised on the Supplementary Estimate, will the right hon. Gentleman consult the Leader of the House as to when we can have an opportunity, which I gather the House generally desires, for a discussion?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNobody knows better than my right hon. Friend what are the resources at the disposal of the Opposition with regard to the discussion of any question they may desire to raise.
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated, in answer to a question, that there would be a Supplementary Army Estimate before Christmas?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am not aware of that. There must be a Supplementary Estimate for the Army before the expenditure of the year is disposed of by Parliament. Whether that will be before Christmas or when we re-assemble I cannot tell. My own feeling was that there would be no financial reason for bringing it on.
Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise the very great desire in quarters of the House where we do not desire to move a vote 175 of want of confidence in the Government to discuss the right hon. Gentleman's proceedings in Mesopotamia?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo doubt that de sire can be represented in quarters where an authoritative answer can be given. I have to come before the House when I require money, and I do not immediately require money.
21. Sir THOMAS BRAMSDONasked the Secretary of State for War what has been the total expenditure on account of the garrisoning of Mesopotamia and the military operations carried out therein from the armistice with Turkey to the present date?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI regret that the form in which the accounts for Parliament have been kept does not enable me to give the figures asked for.