HC Deb 23 October 1945 vol 414 cc1871-2
65. Mr. Norman Smith

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the assessment of the services rendered by America and Britain under Lend-Lease and reverse Lend-Lease respectively, any monetary valuation has been placed on the facilities extended to the American fighting Forces for the use of the Mulberry harbours, of the Pluto undersea pipeline, and of the fog-dispelling device; and have such valuations been incorporated into the accounts.

Mr. Dalton

The cost of the Mulberry Harbour which was built for the use of the U.S. Forces will be estimated and included in our Reciprocal Aid records. The costs of developing and producing the Pluto undersea pipeline and the fog-dispelling device have not been included in these records, since they were used jointly by the British and American Forces. Where, however, expenditure in connection with the use of these devices clearly arises out of American requirements, such expenditure is charged as Reciprocal Aid.

Mr. Norman Smith

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we want more publicity on this matter, particularly for the edification of our American friends, who do not seem to know much about it?

Mr. Driberg

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the Mulberry Harbour referred to in his answer is not the one at Arromanches but the one that fell down in a storm and was not in fact used—the one in the American sector?