§ SIR JOHN LUBBOCKasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, When he proposes to lay upon the Table the Estimate for the Zulu War; and, whether it will be presented at a time when it can be fully discussed?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, I have no doubt that it will be 1281 presented at a time when it may be fully discussed. I explained, the other day, why it was that Her Majesty's Government are delaying presenting the Estimates. We are anxious to obtain as much information as we can in regard to the probable duration of the war; but I have no reason to think that the Estimate of £500,000 a-month which I gave the other day will turn out incorrect. I am in hopes that in the course of a mail or two we may receive such information as will enable us to present an Estimate in a better and more satisfactory form than we are at present able to do.
§ MR. CHILDERSWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake to introduce the Estimate before the end of this month? If not, it cannot be discussed at all.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERI will undertake that it shall be presented in July.
§ SIR JOHN LUBBOCKMay I ask from what fund the £500,000 a-month is being paid?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERIt is being paid out of the Treasury Chest from military balances. We have accounts up to the 31st of May, a later date than I mentioned before; but about £500,000 a-month is the rate of payment.