§ 50. Mr. FALLEasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the fact that the offer of a gift of money for naval purposes from the Federated Malay States creates a new precedent, he will give this House an early opportunity of deciding whether such offer of money shall or shall not be accepted by this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThere has been no departure from precedent. The course followed is identical with that taken when the New Zealand battle cruiser was offered to and accepted by His Majesty's Government. The usual opportunities for discussing such matters will be afforded when the Estimates are under discussion.
§ Mr. FALLEIs there any connection between a free State, such as New Zealand, and the Federated Malays, where the inhabitants have no voice in the acceptance or refusal of the offer?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf the hon. Member thinks it worth while to raise that question, he will have an opportunity of doing so.