§ Major GLYNasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can give the approximate cost to the War Office of the military and civilian labour engaged upon salvage work in France and Belgium between 11th November, 1918, and 31st March, 1919, and the average monthly cast from that date; whether the military authorities are satisfied that the net result to be expected from the sale of much of the material salved, after collection and 1953W cost of transportation, maintenance, and protection is considered, will entail an actual loss to the country; and whether a good deal of the work of clearing the ground of shells and other litter can be now undertaken by the French authorities, in order to save this country needless expense and to permit the bulk of the 100,000 men in France and Belgium being released from military service and the attendant costs of administration dispensed with?
§ Mr. FORSTERIn reply to the first part of this question I am attempting to collect the necessary data for an approximate estimate. With regard to the other points raised I can add nothing to what my right hon. Friend said in Debate on 12th instant.