§ 15. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Government of Brunei has budgeted for an expenditure of 7,000,000 Malayan dollars in 1951 and a surplus of nearly 62,000,000 dollars.
§ Mr. LytteltonThe expenditure represents the amount which, having regard to shortage of labour and supplies of materials, was considered the maximum that could usefully and wisely be spent on the public services, reconstruction and development. The large surplus was mainly, if not entirely, due to the rehabilitation of the oil industry and substantial increase in production, with consequential increase in revenue from taxes and royalties.
§ Mr. RankinCan I take it from that answer that this was a windfall in 1951 and that the right hon. Gentleman does not expect that this revenue will continue in 1952?
§ Mr. LytteltonBrunei will be a very rich country from oil royalties and it is not money but labour and staff that is holding back these matters.
§ Mr. RankinI have here a report for 1951 and it states that the net revenue —
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is not a question.
§ Mr. RankinIs the Minister aware that I have here a report for 1951 and that it shows a revenue of 17 million dollars and a surplus of 10 million? In view of the fact that—
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member is imparting information and founding an argument upon it. That is not the real function of a supplementary question.
§ Mr. RankinIn view of the fact that the Minister has admitted that Brunei is a rich country, does he not think that some of those riches ought to be expended in improving the social conditions?
§ Mr. LytteltonI have already stated that the difficulties are those of labour and staff. The estimated expenditure in 1952 was approximately 18 million dollars and was 11 million dollars more than in 1951.