HC Deb 23 March 1904 vol 132 cc493-4
MR. AUSTIN TAYLOR (Liverpool, East Toxteth)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the duties of the Crown Agents for the Colonies have recently been extended to the purchasing of all stores and materials for the Transvaal and Orange River Colony; and, if so, will he say whether Lord Milner has approved of the transfer of these duties from the local officials to the Crown Agents in London, and if a commission of 1 per cent, will be charged as usual by the Crown Agents.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. LYTTELTON,) Warwick and Leamington

Orders for stores and materials required in connection with the public departments of the Transvaal and Orange River Colony are placed with the Crown Agents, as agents in this country for those colonies, except in cases where supplies can be obtained locally. These duties have never been entrusted to the local officials. Their usual commission of 1 per cent, is charged by the Crown Agents.

MR. BAYLEY (Derbyshire, Chesterfield)

Has not this arrangement recently been extended to the two colonies mentioned in the Question.

MR. LYTTELTON

said he did not quite understand the Question. A percentage of 1 per cent, had been charged since the business had been done there.