HC Deb 01 March 1905 vol 142 cc16-7
MR. WHITLEY

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has received payment of the £1,250,000 due from the Transvaal and Orange River Colonies on account of the railways handed over to them at the close of the war; and, if not, what steps he is taking in the matter.

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

In accordance with an agreement entered into by His Majesty's Government and the Colonial Governments, a lump sum of about £1,450,000 will be handed over by the Crown Agents in satisfaction of all claims (including that on account of the Railways), which the Home Government may have against the Colonies; and the payment of the bulk of the money will be made almost immediately.

MR. WHITLEY

Is the money to be raised by a loan?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir. When I used the words "in satisfaction of all claims" I meant all claims of the character referred to by the hon. Member. It has nothing to do with the War Contribution Loan.

SIR ROBERT REID (Dumfries Burghs)

Will this money be paid out of the £35,000,000 loan?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Will the hon. Gentleman be good enough to ask the Colonial Secretary? The matter is more within his knowledge and sphere of influence than mine. All that I am concerned to know is that the money is to be paid, and that the British Exchequer will receive it.

MR. WHITLEY

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that this sum is in satisfaction only of all claims in connection with the railways?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir. It includes the claims with respect to the railways, and other claims for such things as stocks and stores supplied.

MR. WHITLEY

What is the total amount of the claims that have been compounded for this sum?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I must ask for notice of that Question.

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON (Tower Hamlets, Poplar)

Will the right hon. Gentleman present Papers showing the particulars?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I will consider that, if I cannot give all the necessary information in answer to an unstarred Question.