§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what amount of money it has cost the Government since 1918 up to the financial year ending March, 1927, for our commitment in Iraq and Palestine; and what it has cost the Government since March, 1927, up to the week ending 21st May?
Lord STANLEYI have been asked to take this question. Expenditure in Palestine and Iraq since the 1st April, 1921, has been included in the Middle Eastern Services Vote, full information as to which is in the possession of the House. I am unable to give any figures for the period prior to April, 1921. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies informed the hon. Member for Wednesbury (Mr. Short) on the 14th March last, it is not possible to calculate with any accuracy how much of the expenditure incurred can be said to be directly due to our commitments in the two countries.