HC Deb 21 February 1924 vol 169 cc1965-6
40. Lieut.-Colonel POWNALL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department what contribution Guernsey has offered to the Imperial Exchequer; and what is the amount of pensions and dependant allowances paid by the Imperial Government in that island?

Mr. DAVIES

The States of Guernsey, by a Resolution passed on the 6th instant, have offered the sum of £220,000 as a lump sum contribution to the Exchequer. I am informed by the Ministry of Pensions that the amount of pensions and allowances disbursed by them in the island (including Alderney and Sark) for the current financial year is in round figures £55,000.

41. Lieut.-Colonel POWNALL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department what contribution Jersey has offered to the Imperial Exchequer; and what is the amount of pensions and dependant allowances disbursed by the Imperial Government in that island?

Mr. DAVIES

The States of Jersey, on the 1st December last, passed a Resolution declining to make an annual contribution to the Exchequer. I am informed by the Ministry of Pensions that the amount of pensions and allowances disbursed by them in the island for the current financial year is in round figures £46,000.

Lieut.-Colonel POWNALL

Does the hon. Member think nothing can be done to bring more pressure to bear upon Jersey to help the Imperial Exchequer, when we are spending so much money in the Channel Islands in the form of pensions?

Major Sir BERTRAM FALLE

Is the hon. Member aware that the people of Jersey are exempt by law from service, and that they nevertheless sent 17½ per cent. of their population to the War under the promise of the Home Government—not the Imperial Government—that their pay and pensions should be paid?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Member should give notice of that question.