§ 21. Mr. E. T. CAMPBELLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the annual expenditure provided at the public expense in connection with the post of Governor of the Straits Settlements and High Commissioner of the Federated Malay States; and whether, in view of the protests being made that much of the expenditure is excessive, he will, in the interests of economy, take steps to see that ii is reduced?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERAs the expenditure falls under a number of items, I will circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The protests referred to have been brought to my notice, and the matter is engaging my attention. I am sure that the Governor is fully alive to the need for economy.
§ Mr. CAMPBELLIn view of the cuts that have been necessary in the salaries, allowances and pensions of civil ser- 265 vants, will my right hon. Friend bring to the notice of the Governor the advisability of reducing some of his official expenses in proportion? Can my right hon. Friend inform the House what necessity there is for a yacht, which I understand, according to the 1932 Estimates, will cost something like £11,700?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is rather a long question.
§ Following are the figures:
§ The expenditure, as shown in the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Estimates, may be classified as follows:
| £ | |
| (1) Salary and allowances | 7,000 |
| (2) Staff and servants | 4,200 |
| (3)Maintenance of houses, furniture, motor cars, etc. | 2,900 |
| (4) Yacht "Sea Belle" | 11,800 |
| (5) Travelling expenses | 2,000 |
§ Approximately half the total expenditure under items (1), (2) and (5) is payable by the Straits Settlements and the other half by the Federated Malay States.
§ The figures given under items (3) and (4) represent expenditure by the Straits Settlements alone. Expenditure by the Federated Malay States in respect of services under item (3) are not shown separately in the Estimates.