HC Deb 07 March 1904 vol 131 cc305-6
*MR. AINSWORTH (Argyllshire)

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he is aware that Lord Milner, in his presidential address to the extraordinary session of the Intercolonial Council for the Transvaal and Orange River States, admitted the claim of Great Britain for £1,250,000 on account of the Imperial military railways of South Africa; and whether, in view of the fact that this House has voted £900,000 in settlement of the account for the repairs of these lines, he will now press the Intercolonial Council for the prompt payment of the £1,250,000 above referred to.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.

For the reasons which I have already given to the House I do not think it would be desirable or possible to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

MR. AINSWORTH

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to lay papers before the House so that we may understand how the matter stands?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I have no Papers to lay.