Class V. (Hansard, 13 August 1890)

§ (7.44.) DR. CLARK (Caithness)
I have to ask the reason why we do not get complete information with regard to the South African expenditure? Until this year we have been able to see how and for what the money has been spent. We are now asked for £16,000, as to which we have no information. With regard to Bechuanaland, the money is thrown away to a large extent on a Police Force which is totally unnecessary, when at the same time the people need money for education purposes and hospitals. I trust that this dog-in-the-manger policy will cease, and that you will no longer allow nine-tenths of the income to be expended on a police chiefly used by Colonel Carington instead of dogs when he is out shooting.

§ SIR G. CAMPBELL
Having been unable to enter into the fragmentary discussion on South African matters last 900 night on the Vote for the Colonial Secretary I come fresh to the subject to-day. If, however, I am informed that I shall have an opportunity of speaking on the subject to-morrow, I will not continue my remarks this evening.

§ *(7.47.) THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH, Strand, Westminster)
I hope the hon. Member will not think it necessary to prolong the Debate this evening, but will have some regard to the convenience of hon. Members. We sat until 4 o'clock this morning, and re-assembled at 12 o'clock to-day, and some regard should be paid to the convenience not only of Members generally, but also of the officers of the House. I may state that the Report of Supply will be taken as the first Order to-morrow.

§ SIR G. CAMPBELL
That being so, I will postpone my remarks.

§ (7.50.) MR. A. O'CONNOR
I think this Vote ought not to pass without some discussion, although I admit that adequate discussion is hopeless in the present state of the House. But I must enter my protest against this Vote from a taxpayers' point of view. I say that, from that point of view, this money would not be required if the island were properly administered. The ordinary expenditure has been steadily going up since 1883, while the actual revenue has decreased from £194,000 in 1883–4 to £172,000 in 1885–6, and £145,000 in 1887–8. Beyond this, the deficit,' which was £10,000 at the beginning, rose to £31,000 in 1885–6, and £65,000 in 1887–8. The expenditure on the island is perfectly indefensible, and the mode in which the money is raised is ruinous and inhuman. If any stable reform were introduced it would not be necessary to harass the people as they now are, by having their property sold to secure payment of miserably small sums, but as it is, and under existing circumstances, I suppose we must wait until an additional charge is made next Session, when we may probably have a better chance of protesting.