§ MR. MCCRAE (Edinburgh, E.)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state the amount incurred on war expenditure in South Africa to the termination of the war; the amount incurred since that date for transport, terminal charges, and gratuities to the troops; the amount incurred since the termination of the war for military charges other than above; and the amount estimated as required to meet all charges on account of South Africa, other than civil charges, till 31st March next.
§ * THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. RITCHIE, Croydon)In the absence of final accounts, no better estimate can be framed of the total expenditure incurred in connection with the war than the figures contained in Table I. of the Return moved for by the hon. Member for Poplar in April last (No. 155 of 1902), if the supplementary provision of £17,000,000 in 1902–3, made on the assumption that the war would continue, be omitted.
§ MR. MCCRAEPerhaps the right hon. Gentleman will say what amount has been disbursed by the Treasury if he cannot give the actual figures incurred?
§ * MR. RITCHIENo, Sir. If I gave these figures it would be misleading. I must wait for the final accounts before I can state what the cost of the war has been.