HC Deb 13 August 1894 vol 28 cc765-6
MR. HENNIKER HEATON () Canterbury

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the cause of the delay in coming to a decision as to the amount of the contribution to be paid for military expendi- ture by the Straits Settlements; and whether he is aware that grave dissatisfaction exists there in consequence of the present, impost, and that a number of urgent public works of importance, education, and postal arrangements, have been restricted in consequence of the present rate of taxation to meet the military contribution?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. S. BUXTON,) Tower Hamlets, Poplar

The question affects throe different Departments, and is one of considerable complexity; at the same time, I regret the delay that has taken place in coining to a decision; and I hope that the decision will not be now much longer delayed.