HC Deb 08 March 1900 vol 80 cc374-5
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is proposed to ask Australia, Canada, or any of the colonies to bear any portion of the cost of the present war, or whether all the expenses of military operations are to be paid solely by the taxpayers of Great Britain and Ireland.

MR. COGHILL (Stoke)

Is it proposed to give to Australia, Canada, or any of the colonies 103 representatives in the House of Commons?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir M. HICKS BEACH,) Bristol, w.

If the hon. Member will refer to Command Paper 18, presented in November last, he will find, at page 6, the information he desires with regard to the charges falling on Canada and the Australasian colonies.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Are we to understand that the colonies will bear no portion of the £60,000,000?

SIR M. HICKS BEACH

They are contributing towards their own forces.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman say that some arrangement should be considered whereby each portion of the Empire should pay towards the cost, and not leave it all to fall on the unfortunate taxpayers of this country?

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

If Australia does not pay I don't see why Ireland should.