§ Colonel YATEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that the financial position of Ceylon has been totally altered since the inter-departmental conference which, fifteen years ago, framed the regulations which still govern the military contributions of that Colony, and of the further consideration that the whole question of the defence of the Eastern dependencies. including Ceylon, has been radically changed during the same period, he would consider the advisability of arranging at an early date for another inter-departmental conference, at which the Admiralty would be represented, to revise those regulations with a view to their adjustment to the changed conditions, in respect of the improved financial resources of the Colony and of modern defensive requirements in the East?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)As I informed the hon. and gallant Gentleman in reply to his question of 9th inst., His Majesty's Government are not prepared at present to consider any radical change in the system of military contributions by the Eastern Colonies, and therefore they do not propose to arrange for another interdepartmental conference.
§ Colonel YATEWhat about the naval contribution? I asked with regard to the Admiralty.
§ Mr. HARCOURTThe answer applies to both branches.
§ Mr. A. LYTTELTONIs there any objection to this matter coming before the Imperial Conference?
§ Mr. HARCOURTI think that the Prime Minister has already said in answer to a question that all matters of Imperial interest can come before the Imperial Conference.