HC Deb 12 March 1931 vol 249 cc1385-6
82. Mr. BOYCE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is now in a position to state the amount paid by the Government during 1930 to British and foreign steamship companies, respectively, in respect of passages for Government officials carried between Great Britain and East Africa?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Dr. Drummond Shiels)

No, Sir; but my Noble Friend has asked the Governments of the East African Dependencies to forward the necessary information, and it will be communicated to the hon. Member when received.

Mr. BOYCE

Would not the hon. Gentleman find it simpler if his Department rang up the Crown Agent or the shipping companies to find out?

Dr. SHIELS

No, Sir.

Mr. BOYCE

May I press the hon. Gentleman—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is asking on a matter of opinion.