HC Deb 13 November 1912 vol 43 cc1981-2
Mr. PAGE CROFT

I desire to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies a question of which I have given private notice— namely, whether it has been decided by the Federated Malay States to offer a first-class armoured ship to the British Government?

Mr. HARCOURT

Yes. The following exchange of telegrams between the High Commissioner of the Federated Malay States and myself took place yesterday:— The following resolution passed by Federal Council I to-day: "With a view to the strengthening of the British Empire and maintaining her naval supremacy, the rulers of the people of the Federated Malay States desire to offer to His Majesty's Government a first-class armoured ship, and it is resolved that this offer should be made. The vessel to be constructed as soon At His Majesty's advisers consider it desirable. Details as to payment, to be decided hereafter, but payment to be made within five years if possible. All riders and unofficials spoke in favour. I telegraphed yesterday to the High Commissioner:— His Majesty's Government accept with deep gratitude on behalf of the United Kingdom the generous offer of a first-class armoured ship by the rulers and council of the Federated Malay States.

Mr. ARTHUR LEE

May I ask whether this ship will be considered as in addition to and not in lieu of any ship already announced by the First Lord of the Admiralty as part of the programme of the Admiralty?

Mr. HARCOURT

I think the hon. Gentleman will see that that hardly lies within my province.

Mr. PAGE CROFT

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Prime Minister to secure some few minutes being granted in order that the House might give expression to its feeling in regard to this generous offer?

Mr. HARCOURT

I can hardly express an opinion on that at this moment; but I should be sincerely glad if the House and the country could have such an opportunity.

Mr. ARTHUR LEE

May I put my question to the First Lord of the Admiralty?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Until I know more precisely what are the conditions under which the gift has been made, I could not give an answer.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

May I ask whether the Federal Council is a nomin- ated council; and also whether there is any precedent—

Sir EDWARD CARSON

Do you object to it?

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

And whether there is any precedent for taxing a Crown Colony for Imperial defence, since the taxation of the American Colonies, which had such serious results?

Mr. HARCOURT

I think I ought to have notice of a question such as that: but I may say at once that the Federated Malay States are not a Crown Colony.