§ 65. Sir HARRY BRITTAINasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state what amount is contributed by the Government, directly and indirectly, to the support and maintenance of the Imperial Institute; what amount comes from the Dominions and India; and what is obtained from the Crown Colonies and Protectorates?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe contributions in question in respect of the current year are approximately as follow:
2368 In 1920–21 the indirect contributions of the Imperial Government were as follows:
£ Imperial Government (direct) 10,000 Dominions and India 9,650 Colonies, Protectorates, Egypt, and Sudan 21,150
£ Maintenance 9,494 Contribution to local authorities in lieu of rates 5,153
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not the fact that some of the unfortunate Crown Colonies who have little say in the matter contribute more in support of this white elephant than the Dominions and India?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think that is a very inaccurate way of describing this institution which is of very great importance from the point of view of Imperial consolidation.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not a fact that India is disposed to get out of it at the end of the year?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI should consider it very deplorable if that is so.