asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what detailed estimates were before him during the negotiation of the London Treaty, as to what was likely to be the annual cost of the military commitments involved.

The undertaking to maintain certain forces on the Continent was decided upon by Her Majesty's Government after most serious consideration of all the factors concerned, on all of which sufficient information was available.

asked the Minister of Defence the total expenditure, exclusive of the German contribution to occupation costs, incurred on the maintenance of our Forces in Europe during the financial year 1953–54; and by how much he estimates this expenditure will be increased or decreased if the London Agreement is ratified.

The estimated cost of maintaining our Forces in Europe during the financial year 1953–54, exclusive of the German contribution to occupation costs, was between £65 million and £70 million. It is not possible to give a precise figure as our Forces in Europe are not separately accounted for. I will deal with the second part of the right hon. Gentleman's Question in a statement which I hope to make on Wednesday next.