§ MR. WHITLEY (Halifax)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the Estimates for the year ending June 30th, 1906, presented to the Transvaal Legislative Council by Sir Arthur Lawley on July 8th last contain any provision for the £30,000,000 war contribution, or any part thereof; and if any steps have been taken to prevent the allocation of the revenue from the Premier Diamond Mine to other purposes until the promised contribution has been made. May I point out that the sum referred to in the Question—£400,000—would exactly provide a sinking fund for the first loan of ten millions?
§ MR. LYTTELTONThe Estimates have not yet reached me, but they will not contain any such provision. The war contribution loan has not so far been charged by law upon the revenues of the colony, as that is a matter which, as has already been fully explained to the House, has been left for the decision of the new Elective Assembly. The Answer to the latter part of the hon. Member's Question is in the negative.
§ MR. WHITLEYThen are we to understand that the revenue from the Premier Diamond Mine is to be allocated to new purposes, and not for the service of the loan?
§ MR. LYTTELTONThe Government portion of the Premier Mine's profit is allocated by statute.
§ MR. WHITLEYAllocated to what?
§ MR. LYTTELTONI must refer the hon. Member to the statute.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESDo not the Government propose to take any steps to procure the £30,000,000, on the faith of which the £35,000,000 loan was guaranteed?
§ MR. LYTTELTONThe circumstances have been fully debated on many occasions, and the Government have stated their views.