MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether any, and, if so, what portion of the cost of the Somali War will be borne by the revenues of India, or will the whole cost be borne by British revenues; do His Majesty's Government propose to submit any estimates and to ask for any grants for the cost of this war; and, if so, when; and, if estimates are to be submitted, will they be submitted as military or as Civil Service Estimates.
(Answered by Mr Ritchie.) India has ceased to have any interest in Somaliland, which is a Protectorate under the Foreign Office. The whole cost of the operations against the Mullah will be borne by Somaliland Protectorate funds, supplemented by a grant in aid from Imperial funds. There is already a grant in aid this year of £25,000 under the Protectorates Vote in connection with these military operations; but it is of course probable that before 31st March next an additional grant will be necessary. If so, it would be borne by Civil Estimates like the original grant in aid.