HC Deb 05 July 1926 vol 197 cc1584-5
16. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, with regard to the gift of £2,000,000 made by the Federated Malay States towards the cost of the Singapore naval base, whether, in view of the impropriety of receiving gifts from States not under its protection, the Government will reconsider its acceptance?

4. Mr. DUCKWORTH

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, seeing that the gift of £2,000,000 by the Federated Malay States towards the cost of the Singapore naval base is being adversely criticised on the ground that the Imperial Government should not accept such a donation from races not under its protection, he will state whether any guarantee exists that these races will not be over-taxed to provide a sum of this magnitude?

7. Mr. FORREST

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that in Singapore there is criticism as to the principle involved in accepting gifts from non-protected races towards the needs of the Imperial Government; and, if not, whether he will make inquiries with the object of ascertaining local opinion on this point?

Mr. AMERY

Hon. Members appear to be under a misapprehension. The Federated Malay States are territories under His Majesty's protection, and the native inhabitants of these territories possess the status of British protected persons. There is thus no question of His Majesty's Government accepting gifts from non-protected races. There is no reason to anticipate that any excessive taxation will be necessary to provide the sum.

Mr. PENNY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that throughout Malaya there is a great feeling of joy at the spontaneous gift of this sum; and is he further aware that the previous gilt of the Sultan of Perak of His Majesty's Ship "Malaya" was of the greatest assistance to this country during the War?

Mr. AMERY

There is no doubt of that, at all.