HC Deb 14 May 1885 vol 298 c485
LORD GEORGE HAMILTON

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If he would state approximately how much of the Vote of Credit of £4,500,000, for Military operations in the Soudan and Upper Egypt, has been spent or absorbed by liabilities which will have to be met?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this Question for him. Out of the total sum estimated as the liability already incurred for Army Services, the sum of about £2,500,000 is estimated as due to the operations in the Soudan and Upper Egypt.

MR. BRODRICK

Does that include any provision for the redemption of the paper money issued by General Gordon; and, if so, what is the amount?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

I am not aware that it includes anything for that purpose.

MR. BRODRICK

I will ask on Monday, what steps the Government propose to take to redeem those liabilities?

LORD EUSTACE CECIL

Can the noble Marquess say whether any further details are to be laid on the Table; and, when those further Estimates will be produced? I should like also to hear something about the expenses of the Navy.

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

I am not aware that any request has been made for the production of further Estimates. If the noble Lord will inform me what further information he requires I will see whether it is to be obtained.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)

With regard to the Question of the hon. Member opposite (Mr. Brodriek), I have to say no such claim has been addressed to us. At any rate, I have heard nothing of it.