HC Deb 28 January 1902 vol 101 cc1099-100
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, if the Government of New South Wales has demanded a commission of three per cent. on all disbursements made on behalf of the British War Office; and, if so, whether this charge is to be paid.

* MR. BARLOW (Somersetshire, Frome)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether any, and, if so, which of the Colonies which have expended money at the request and on account of the British War Office, have in making up their bills against the Imperial Government charged a commission; if so, at what rate per cent. and is it the intention of the Imperial Government to pay such commission.

MR. BRODRICK

It has been decided that the usual commission of three per cent. for local expenditure on behalf of the War Office should be allowed to the Colonial Governments in connection with raising and equipping Colonial Contingents from oversea that were raised at the expense of the Imperial Government.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

The right hon. Gentleman has used the word "usual." Is there precedent for such payment?

MR. BRODRICK

In the case of military pensions paid to pensioners residing in the Colonies, the Colonial Governments have always been allowed three per cent. on behalf of the Imperial Government.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

Is the payment made to the colonies or to the Crown Agents?

MR. BRODRICK

I fancy it is paid to the colonies. I will make inquiry.

MR. WHITLEY (Halifax)

What is the total amount? †See page 958.

MR. BRODRICK

The operation is not yet concluded, so I cannot tell the amount.