§ Sir F. SYKESasked the Secretary of State for Air what charge, if any, is made against the Governments of India or Iraq for training costs and gratuity liability in respect of short-service commissioned flying officers employed in those countries; and what is the estimated average cost of such training and gratuity expenditure?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe cost of the Royal Air Force in Iraq is chargeable to Imperial Funds and no recovery is effected, therefore, from the Iraq Government in respect of the cost of the items referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. As regards India, theper capita contribution towards the cost of training, etc., of the Royal Air Force supplied for the Indian Establishment and for non-effective services has not yet been fixed, and is at present under investigation. Advances on account are being made in the mean- 1889W while. It is not possible at present, therefore, to state the amount which the Indian Government will eventually contribute in respect of these services.