§ 4. Miss WILKINSONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state what proportion of the questions addressed to his Department since he took office have been concerned with Russia; what has been the cost of ascertaining the information given on this subject; and what has been the cost of the White Papers on Russian affairs supplied at the request of the Opposition?
Mr. A. HENDERSONOut of a total of 1,680 questions addressed to me since I took office, 562, or approximately one 1224 third, have related to Soviet Russia. I am unable to give an estimate of the cost of ascertaining the information given. The cost of issue of the three Command Papers on Soviet legislation concerning religion and labour was approximately £143.
§ Miss WILKINSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Member of the previous Government has said that the average cost of ascertaining the answer to each question is, approximately, two guineas; and, in those circumstances, does he not consider that a move in the direction of national economy should be taken by hon. Gentlemen opposite?
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYWhat has been the cost to the British taxpayer of loans advanced to Russia of which there has been no repayment?