asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of arranging for the publication of a memorandum showing over a period of years the cost of the armed forces of the principal countries of the world exclusive of the cost incurred on non-effective services?

The basis of the Estimates of different countries differs so widely that a really informative memorandum such as is suggested would be difficult to prepare. But a great deal of information regarding the cost of the armed forces of various countries is given in the League of Nations Armaments Year Book.

Cannot it be published by the Government in convenient form with necessary additions?

I will consider whether that is possible.