§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, When he proposes to ask for the £69,000 expended in the Transvaal in addition to the Grant in the past year; whether Her Majesty's Representatives in Africa have authority to spend any more British money on the Transvaal Administration in the present year; and, if so, when Estimates for that will be presented; and when a Statement showing how the money has been expended will be presented?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, with regard to the £69,000 235 expended in the Transvaal in a former year, I think in 1877–8, that money was expended out of the Army Fund in respect of services in the nature of Army services connected with the annexation of the Transvaal. I have not at this moment a Statement of the application of the money; but I will inquire of the War Office, and, if possible, it shall be furnished. The money was expended out of the Army grant, and the account of that grant has been before the Controller and Auditor General, and has been passed by him; and as there was no excess found, no grant has had to be asked for. With regard to the second Question, Her Majesty's Representative in South Africa has no authority for spending any British money in the administration of the Transvaal in the present year; but, if necessary, of course, an Estimate would be submitted. The only exceptional case might be that in the event of any serious military emergency he might, upon his own responsibility, draw on the Treasury chest, and in that case the funds would have to be supplied. No expenditure can be incurred in the administration of the Transvaal without the previous sanction of the Home Government.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLasked, If there would be any expenditure this year?
§ THE CHANCELLOE OF THE EXCHEQUERPerhaps the hon. Baronet will give Notice of that Question.