§ 50. Sir W. Smithersasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the 746 cost of the Berlin air lift to date since its inception; and what proportion of the cost is borne by the British taxpayer.
§ Mr. MayhewThe extra cost to the British taxpayer up to 15th June, 1949, was approximately £8,600,000. I regret that I have no information as to the costs borne by the United States Government. In terms of weight carried into Berlin, however, the British contribution has been about 23½ per cent. of the whole.
§ Sir W. SmithersWhat steps are the Foreign Office taking to tell the German people of the wonderful actions we have taken to save them from starvation, which the Communists are trying to use as a weapon to destroy the German people?
§ Mr. MayhewI do not think the German people need persuading about the air lift.
§ Mr. H. HyndCould my hon. Friend say what steps are being taken to ask France to take a share in the cost of the air lift?
§ Mr. MayhewI should need notice of that.