Mr. KINGasked whether a request, dated 30th November, 1910, has been received from the Mahomedan community of Lagos that a sum of £1,500 should be granted from the revenues of the Colony of Southern Nigeria towards the building of a mosque at Lagos; and, if so, what reply had been given to the request?
Mr. HARCOURTThe petition referred to was addressed to the Governor and referred by him to me. I have informed the Governor that I should not feel justified in authorising a contribution from the funds of the Colony in this case. There is no precedent for such action in the case of a large community permanently resident in the country.
Mr. KINGMay we take it that that answer embodies the general policy as a rule of the Government in such questions as this?
Mr. HARCOURTI think I would advise the hon. Member to apply the answer to the particular case rather than to any general action.