§ 17. Sir G. STRICKLANDasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much revenue is estimated to be derived this year from the whale fisheries around the Falklands; whether, in view of the precedent set by the Straits Settlements in presenting the battleship "Malaya," steps will be taken to suggest that a destroyer may be provided from such portion of that revenue as is not required for local needs; and Will inquiries be made as to what other Crown Colonies have resources that might reasonably be devoted towards the maintenance of the Navy?
§ Mr. AMERYThe revenue to be derived from whaling operations in or near the Dependencies of the Falkland Islands is estimated for the current year at £96,200. The surplus available after providing for the needs of local administration as credited, under the local law, to the Dependencies Research and Development Fund, from which is met all expenditure incurred on behalf of the "Discovery" Committee, in connection with the expedition at present being conducted by the Royal Research Ship "Discovery" and her auxiliary vessel the "William Scoresby." The fund stands at a figure not in excess of what may be required for this purpose, and I am not prepared to agree to the diversion of any portion of it to other uses. As regards the last part of the question. I think it would be preferable to leave the initiative in this matter to any Colony which may be able and willing to follow the precedent given by the Federated Malay States in the case of the "Malaya."