§ MR. WHITLEYI 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 CHAMBERLAINIn accordance with an agreement entered into by His Majesty's Government and the Colonial Governments, a lump sum of 17 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. WHITLEYIs the money to be raised by a loan?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINNo, 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 CHAMBERLAINWill 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. WHITLEYDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean that this sum is in satisfaction only of all claims in connection with the railways?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir. It includes the claims with respect to the railways, and other claims for such things as stocks and stores supplied.
§ MR. WHITLEYWhat is the total amount of the claims that have been compounded for this sum?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI 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 CHAMBERLAINI will consider that, if I cannot give all the necessary information in answer to an unstarred Question.