HC Deb 06 April 1925 vol 182 cc1801-2
12. Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any subsidies are at present being paid to rulers in Arabia; if so, to whom and on what terms?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

No subsidies are being paid from Imperial funds to rulers in Arabia.

Captain BENN

Is there not an item in the Colonial Office Vote for £20,000?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

It is not a subsidy. As I explained in an answer last week, it was put in in case other money becomes payable in connection with the settlement between two conflicting claims in the Southern part of the Red Sea.

Captain BENN

It is, in fact, put in for the purpose of subsidising somebody?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

No, that is not the case. I think I may say that it is very improbable that the amount will be expended.