HC Deb 05 July 1948 vol 453 cc3-4
10. Mr. Granville Sharp

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the approximate average daily cost of transporting food and other supplies to Berlin by air; how this compares with the cost when rail, road or barge are used; and who pays this additional cost.

Mr. McNeil

Up to date, the approximate additional daily cost for the part of the operation undertaken by His Majesty's Government is £6,000. When barge, road or rail is used the cost is met in marks and the charge is, therefore, sustained by the German economy. I regret that at present I cannot give an answer to the third part of the Question.

Mr. Eric Fletcher

Would my right hon. Friend say when steps will be taken to recommence transporting these supplies by road and rail?

Mr. McNeil

No restoration of normal working could be too quick for our desires on this subject.