Middle Eastern Services.

Part of Civil Services and Revenue Departments Supplementary Estimate, 1921–22. – in the House of Commons at on 9 March 1922.

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Photo of Mr Herbert Asquith Mr Herbert Asquith , Paisley

So I can see, and the result is that the sum of £2,000,000, which ought to have appeared on the Estimates of last year, appears now for the first time in the month of March in the Estimates for the present year. That really is the whole subject which is before us, except for some more or less minor items; but, since the right hon. Gentleman has himself set the example of latitude, there is no reason why we should not, in our various degrees, follow him. I think that, since the subject at large is open, it is desirable to point out at once what this business of Iraq is really costing us. My right hon. Friend has given us some very formidable figures, and it is very difficult to disentangle the Iraq and the Palestine adventures one from the other. I am sure, however, that I am speaking well within the bounds of statistical moderation when I say that since the Armistice, after allowing for the very large sum which, I agree, had to be expended in demobilising, evacuating, and bringing home the vast forces which at that time, were stationed in that part of the world —I am sure I am well within the mark after making the most liberal and even generous allowances, when I say that that burden of expenditure which has been imposed upon the British taxpayer during those three years has amounted to well over £100,000,000.