§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that a promise was made two years ago to fix immediately the permanent amount to be paid by the Straits Settlements towards the military expenditure; what is the cause of the delay in settling the question; and whether he is aware that the Governor of the Straits Settlements protested 172 against the present heavy contribution as being unfair and against public policy?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTThe settlement of the rate of contribution to be paid by the Straits Settlements to military expenditure during the next five years has been delayed in view of the recent variation of the purchase value of silver. The question has now been fully considered by a Committee specially appointed for the purpose, and I believe that the contribution will now be settled on a basis which will afford a material relief to the colony.
§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether there is any immediate prospect of an arrangement being come to between his Department, the Treasury, and the Colonial Office regarding the amount of the contribution to be paid by the Straits Settlements for military purposes; and what steps are now being taken to come to a decision on the question?
§ MR. WOODALL(who replied) said: I must refer the hon. Member to the answer just given by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.