§ *MR. MCCRAE (Edinburgh, E.)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether payment has yet been made by the Chinese Government of Britain's share of the Chinese war indemnity, estimated by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1902 at £6,000,000 sterling; 576 and, if not paid, whether any steps are being taken to secure payment thereof in the present financial year.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.The indemnity is being paid by annuities extending over a period of thirty-nine years. The instalments of the British share are for the present being applied, as received, in discharging the private claims of British subjects.
§ *MR. MCCRAEWill the right hon. Gentleman apply the money, if there is I any balance, to the reduction of the Floating Debt, according to the promise of his predecessor?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe money is being applied to the satisfaction of private claims at the present time. Therefore there is no opportunity of considering the allocation of any further sum.
§ *MR. MCCRAEThe predecessors of the right hon. Gentleman said the money being expended on account of the war, when repaid, would be applied in redemption of borrowings. May I ask—
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! Notice had better be given of any further Question.