62. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the estimated total cost of the journey to 35 various parts of the Empire undertaken by the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, and which of these visits were made at the request of the local Governments?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe sum of£3,500 was provided in the Vote for the Dominions Office on the Estimates for 1926–27 to cover the cost of my right hon. Friend's tour, but as it was impossible for him to undertake it that year, in consequence of the Imperial Conference, the same amount has been re-voted on the current year's Estimates. I am not quite clear whether the whole £3,500 will be required. The reasons for visits of this kind were fully explained to the House by my right hon. Friend on 27th July, 1925, and the 29th June last.
§ Sir ARTHUR SHIRLEY BENNHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to the great satisfaction expressed in South Africa by British subjects of British and Dutch blood at the visit to South Africa of the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, and to the belief held there by many that these visits from Colonial Secretaries will be of immense advantage to the Empire as a whole?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI have received several such intimations, not only from South Africa, but from many other places.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINOn a business basis alone, has not the tour paid for itself?