§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYmoved for a Return—
(1) Of all sums paid in each year since the year 1879–80, by direction of Her Majesty's Government, out of moneys arising from the Revenues of Cyprus, in discharge of the interest upon the Turkish Loan guaranteed by this country under the statute 18th and 19th Victoria, chapter 99; (2) of all sums voted by Parliament during the same period in aid of the administration of Cyprus.In making the Motion, Lord Salisbury said: My Lords, I hope the noble Lord opposite (the Marquess of Ripon) will have no objection to my moving for this Return. I move for it in consequence of some observations made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the House of Commons, and which surprised me a good deal. As I read those observations, he represented that the British taxpayer had suffered by the connection of this country with Cyprus. That is not my recollection as I knew the facts when in Office. Of course, that was some time ago. I am anxious to get the facts precisely as they are, and I do not think the noble Lord will see any objection to my doing so.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (THE MARQUESS OF RIPON)I have no objection whatever to the Return being made. But I do not think my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer quite said that the British taxpayer had suffered. I think he said he was paying £30,000 a year for the deficit in Cyprus, but I do not think, on the whole balance of account, he said he suffered.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYWhen he said the British taxpayer was paying, and did not hint that he was getting more, I think he may be said to have given a false impression.
§ Motion agreed to.