§ 41. Sir R. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the recent contribution of £75,000 by Nigeria towards the cost of Imperial Defence, he will consider whether it is now possible to arrange for some system by which such Colonies as can afford it should make regular contributions for Imperial Defence, with a view to avoiding the present system under which occasional voluntary contributions are made by Colonies which appreciate the importance of such assistance?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreThe system bf requiring monetary contributions from the Colonies for Imperial Defence is not one that I could properly adopt. I would point out in this connection that many of the Colonies defray the cost of local defence forces, and in some cases make a regular contribution towards the cost of their Imperial garrisons; and that consequently the contribution to Imperial Defence already made by the Colonial Empire is considerable.