§ MR. J. E. ELLIS (Nottingham, Rushcliffe)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any charge has already been or will be incurred on behalf of the Imperial Exchequer on account of the hostilities in South Africa; what is the estimated amount; and when, and in what form, will the assent of the House of Commons be asked thereto?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir W. HARCOURT,) DerbyMy hon. Friend is aware that charges of this kind do not come direct but fall in the first instance on the Bechuanaland Protectorate, and an excess has to be met by an addition to the Grant-in-Aid. There can be no doubt, I am afraid, that there will be an increase of this Grant-in-Aid, and a proper Estimate will be submitted by the end of the financial year.
§ MR. J. E. ELLISA Supplementary Estimate?
§ SIR W. HARCOURTYes.