§ DR. MACNAMARA (Camberwell, N.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in connection with the inquiry which it is understood the Cabinet is now making into the fiscal policy of the Empire, any questions will be put to Colonial Governments suggesting the desirableness of proportionate contribution to the cost of Imperial defence; and if not, whether, having regard to the burden of Imperial defence placed upon the taxpayers of the British Isles, he will consider the desirability of submitting the expediency of such contribution as part of the inquiry now being prosecuted.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.It seems entirely premature to make any statement as to what suggestion should or should not be made to our self-governing colonies.
§ DR. MACNAMARADo I understand that the suggestion in the first part of my Question is accurate?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI will read the answer again. (Answer again read.)