§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether Her Majesty's Government have decided what share of the expenses of recent military operations in the Malay Peninsula is to be borne by the Imperial Government; and, whether it is the intention of the Government to ask for a Vote during the present Session?
§ MR. J. LOWTHERNo decision has yet been arrived at upon this question. The cause of the delay has been the necessity of communications, not only between the Colonial Office and the War Office, but also with the Governments of India and the Straits Settlements, ex- 1388 penditure having been incurred by all these Departments. I trust that the matter will shortly be arranged; but it is not the intention of the Government to propose a Vote for this purpose during the present Session, as I fear the arrangements cannot be concluded in time.