SIR GILBERT PARKERI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the depression of trade in Gibraltar, due to the reduction of the garrison and the handing over of the commercial mole to the Admiralty, whether the Government is satisfied that the increase in the General Sanitary Purposes Rates for 1908 is justified in the circumstances; and whether it is intended to appoint a Commission of Inquiry into the annual expenditure of the Commissioners.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe Secretary of State intends to obtain further information before forming an opinion on the question whether, in view of the depression of trade, the whole of the increase in the rates was immediately necessary; but he is advised that there is no sufficient justification for the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry.