HC Deb 09 February 1904 vol 129 cc719-20
MR. WHITLEY (Halifax)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, out of the money voted for war compensation, the sum of £30,000 has been paid to De Beers Diamond Mines, Limited.

* THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. BROMLEY DAVENPORT,) Cheshire, Macclesfield

The sum in question waspaid out of sums voted †See (4) Debates, exxi., 786. in Army Estimates for 1902–3, in return for services rendered and actual expenditure incurred, and not as war compensation.

MR. WHITLEY

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the sum appears in the accounts of the company as received for war compensation.

* MR. BROMLEY DAVENPORT

That would be incorrect. It was for services rendered, and was voted by Parliament.

MR. WHITLEY

asked what was the nature of the services.

[No answer was returned.]