§ MR. WHITLEYI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if there is any provision in the Transvaal Estimates for the year 1904-5 for the repayment to the Imperial Treasury of the £1,250,000 on account of material, and the £900,000 on account of transport and stores, outstanding since the transfer of the railways from military to civil control; and when he expects to obtain a settlement of these claims.
§ MR. LYTTELTONThe first sum of £1,250,000 is still in dispute. It will be seen on reference to page twenty-six of Cd. 2102, that whatever amount is finally settled to be due will be found out of the loan and not out of Transvaal funds proper. The second sum of £900,000, or rather £843,000, on account of transport and stores supplied for repatriation purposes, Lord Milner has intimated that he expects to be able to pay off before the end of the calendar year (see page forty of Cd. 2102) by the sale of remaining supplies and stock.
§ MR. WHITLEYDo I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that he expects to obtain a settlement of both sums before the coming year?
§ MR. LYTTELTONI said nothing about the settlement of the first sum, but I certainly expect one in the case of the second.
§ MR. WHITLEYThe first sum named in my Question has already been two years under consideration. Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance?