27.
asked the Prime Minister what additional expenditure over and above the original Estimates has been incurred to date in connection with the Near Eastern crisis and the naval and military demonstrations against the Turkish Nationalist forces; and whether it is intended to introduce a Supplementary Estimate?
The additional expenditure incurred to date is estimated at £2,475,000. It will be necessary to lay Supplementary Estimates before the House next Session.
May I ask the Prime Minister whether all the Papers relative to the Near Eastern situation will be laid before the Supplementary Estimates, so that we may have full information?
Supplementary Estimates will not be until next Session. I hope that by that time one can safely lay all the necessary Papers.
How is it that when we want two battle cruisers to go to Rio for the exhibition at a cost of half a million sterling—
That question does not arise.
29.
asked the Prime Minister whether any Estimate has been framed by the Cabinet as to the weekly cost of military, naval, and air forces now involved in the Dardanelles, including the cost of victualling and coaling; and, if so, what is the weekly cost?
The additional cost now being incurred week by week (exclusive of initial and terminal charges) is estimated at £63,500.