HC Deb 14 March 1927 vol 203 cc1626-7
33. Sir W. de FRECE

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any Crown Colonies are at the present time either requiring grants-in-aid to enable them to carry on their work of government or are showing deficits in revenue; and whether he will state in each case what are the reasons for this financial embarrassment?

Mr. AMERY

The following Colonies, etc., receive formal grants-in-aid of ordinary revenue:

  • Cyprus.
  • Nyasaland.
  • Somaliland.
  • St. Helena.
  • Dominica.
For particulars of these grants, which in some cases are in the form of loans, I would refer my hon. Friend to the explanations given in the Estimate for Colonial Services. It is not possible within the limits of a reply to a question to explain the circumstances and financial history of each case.

Deficits are estimated for in the following Colonies, etc.:—

  • British Guiana (drought and serious agricultural depression).
  • St. Lucia (depression in staple industries).
  • Sierra Leone (short fall in import duties).
  • Uganda (fall in cotton prices).
  • Mauritius (fall in sugar prices).
  • Hong Kong (situation in China).

Colonel WEDGWO0D

Which of these subventions are not in the form of loans? Is it only in he case of Cyprus?

Mr. AMERY

The Cyprus one is a subvention to meet part of the cost of the Ottoman. Debt.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

All the others are merely loans now?

Mr. AMERY

I am not sure that they are all. I should have to have notice of that question.