§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any decision has been arrived at regarding the amount of the military expenditure to be contributed by the Straits Settlements; and what is the cause of the delay?
§ MR. S. BUXTONI can only refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave him on the 13th instant.
§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONThis matter has been under consideration for three years. Cannot the hon. Gentleman promise an answer before the end of the Session?
§ MR. S. BUXTONI do not think I can give such a promise. I have more than once expressed my opinion as to the importance of bringing it to a conclusion, and I can only regret the delay in arriving at a decision.