§ 27. Mr. ARTHUR STRAUSSasked the right hon. Gentleman if he is now in a position to state his intentions as to giving any assistance to the National Reserve?
§ Colonel SEELYI am not yet in a position to make a statement on this subject.
§ Mr. A. STRAUSSCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to make a statement?
§ Colonel SEELYI certainly will make a statement, but I would not like to pledge myself as to the precise date. It will be before long. The matter is being considered.
§ Mr. A. STRAUSSIn the meantime the National Reserve gets one penny a month. Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether one penny a month is sufficient encouragement for the National Reserve?
§ Colonel SEELYI do not think that arises out of this question, but, in any case, the matter is being considered as to the best form in which further developments of the National Reserve can take place. I am not aware that there is any such discontent as the hon. Member suggests.
§ Lord BALCARRESCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to make an announcement on this subject?
§ Colonel SEELYNo, Sir; I cannot definitely say when I will make an announcement. I shall certainly make it before next year's Estimates, and in the meantime the National Reserve continues to grow satisfactorily.