HC Deb 14 April 1902 vol 106 cc173-4

I have also to provide for three other matters. In the first place, the Committee are aware that up to July 1st next, either by Votes passed last session or by Estimates already laid on the Table, the whole cost of the equipment and maintenance of the Constabulary in South Africa has been provided for by this country. I am glad to be able to state that, whatever may be the result of what is now going on, Lord Milner has every confidence that in the next financial year of the Transvaal and Orange River Colonies, which will commence on July 1st, these Colonies will be able to provide for the whole cost of 6,000 of the Constabulary, in addition to what they are at present providing for, the cost of their civil administration, besides the interest on their debt, and the interest due to the bond holders and shareholders of the railways: provided that the railways by July 1st, as I hope may be possible, can be handed over to the civil administration. But, Sir, the whole strength of this Constabulary was fixed at 10,000 men, and assuming that it will be necessary, as I think it will be necessary, to maintain the force at that strength throughout the present financial year, we must provide for the cost of 4,000 of that force. I put that down at £750,000. Then I think it will be necessary for us in the course of the session to ask Parliament for some assistance to our sugar growing Colonies in the West Indies, pending the time when bounties are abolished by the Convention which has just been signed at Brussels. And, finally, I shall have to provide for interest on the fresh debt which will have to be incurred this year. Therefore, taking all these items together, I would ask to be allowed to add 18½ millions to the 27 millions I have already stated, making a total deficit of 45½ millions.