HC Deb 01 July 1926 vol 197 cc1333-5
38. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secreteary of State for the Colonies whether, with reference to the gift of £2,000,000 made by the Federated Malay States towards the cost of the new naval dockyard and arsenal at Singapore, he will state with whom this offer originated and who is actually making the gift; whether this sum is being raised by taxation; whether any additional taxation in the Malay States will be necessary for the provision of this money; and whether any means exists for the consultation of the native inhabitants of the States concerned before the offer of such gifts?

The UNDER-SECRERTAIIY of STATE for COLONIAL AFFAIRS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)

With regard to the first two parts of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement which my right hon. Friend made in this House on the 28th June. So far as can be anticipated, no additional taxation will be required. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative, but, no doubt, the rulers have no difficulty in judging the attitude of their subjects in such a matter.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I heard that answer, but it does not answer the first part of the question which I asked, as to how this offer originated. Was it suggested by us, or did it originate with these patriotic people?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

My right hon. Friend is quite clear that it originated from the rulers and unofficial members in the Federated Malay States.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Has the Minister satisfied himself that it is the wish of the mass of the people, who have to find the money, to make this gift?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

My right hon. Friend said so.

Mr. W. THORNE

Does the hon. Gentleman not think it improper for a State over which we have no control to render a gift of this kind to the Government?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

No, not at all. These people gave us His Majesty's ship "Malaya," which was of immense value in the Great War.

Major HARVEY

Is it suggested that this offer originated from Arcos?

Mr. PALING

Do I understand that the inhabitants will not be called upon to make any payment?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

The money will come out of the general revenues of the country, and the inhabitants are represented in the Legislative Council by various members. They are the people who made the offer.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Is it not extremely ungenerous to make this sort of suggestion when a patriotic offer of this kind is made?

Mr. KIRKWO0D

Arising from that reply—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]—I would like to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether any of the money which is coming from the Malay States is to go to the miners? That is what I want to know.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. As an additional supplementary question was allowed, and as the Under-Secretary was perfectly prepared to reply to my question, may I ask for a reply?

Mr. SPEAKER

Perhaps the hon. Member would repeat his question. I thought it was a matter of general opinion.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

If that is the way it is taken, I am perfectly satisfied.