§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)On behalf of the hon. Member for North Kerry, I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he can state approximately the amount of money to be asked for in the Supplementary Estimate in connection with the war in South Africa; and also approximately what portion of the estimated gross cost of the war in South Africa will Ireland have to contribute.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIt is impossible at present, I think, and certainly premature, to give any estimate of the kind asked for. As for the Supplementary Estimate which is to be brought forward, that will be in the hands of Members today or to-morrow, and, probably, it would be better for the House to wait till they have the estimate in their hands than for me to attempt to give any account of its contents. I may, however, say chat some 857 of the rumours I have soon published as to the magnitude of the financial operations contemplated by the Government are altogether fantastic in their proportions.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANWhy should the Irish people be compelled to contribute towards the cost of a war which they abhor?
§ [No answer was given.]