HC Deb 18 June 1934 vol 291 cc7-8
17. Captain CAZALET

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will consider issuing a return of all instruments, showing the nature and extent of the authority and relevant documents, covering the relationship of this country with the three protectorates: Bechuanaland, Basutoland, and Swaziland?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the DOMINIONS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

I am arranging for my hon. and gallant Friend to be supplied with a list of the Orders in Council providing for the exercise of His Majesty's jurisdiction in these territories. Copies of these Orders are available in the library of the House.

18. Captain CAZALET

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what is the total amount of any grants-in-aid made to Basutoland, Bechuanaland, or the Swaziland protectorates, respectively, since the passing of the Act of Union in 1909?

Mr. THOMAS

As the reply is somewhat long and contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it with the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

The total assistance granted from the United Kingdom Exchequer in aid of administration in the territories in question from 1909 to the end of the last financial year is as follows:

£
Bechuanaland Protectorate 232,000
Swaziland 142,900
Basutoland Nil

In the case of the Bechuanaland Protectorate the total is made up of grants amounting to £55,000 made during the years 1909 to 1912 and a grant of £177,000 made in the year ended 31st March last. In the case of Swaziland the grants cover the period from 1928 onwards. In addition, further sums of £65,000 and £60,000 are included in the Estimates for the current year in respect of the Bechuanaland Protectorate and Swaziland respectively. In the case of Swaziland loans totalling £23,600 bearing 5 per cent. interest and repayable after three years by 10 annuities, have also been made to the local administration for advances to settlers, and a further loan of £l,500 for this purpose is included in this year's Estimates. These figures are exclusive of loans and grants amounting to about £61,000 issued or promised to these territories from the Colonial Development Fund.