HC Deb 24 February 1921 vol 138 cc1176-7W
Sir T. GRIFFITHS

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been the annual revenue of Sarawak during the last three years; and what has been the proportion spent on the Rajah and members of the Rajah's family?

Lieut.-Colonel AMERY

I have no information as to the year 1920. It appears from the departmental reports of the Sarawak Government, copies of which have been communicated to the Colonial Office, that the revenue was 2,531,239 dollars in 1919, and 1,921,964 dollars in 1918, and that the amounts expended under the head "Civil List" in those years on account of the Rajah and his family were 220,274 and 271,199 dollars respectively.

Mr. GRUNDY

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether an appeal lies from the Rajah of Sarawak to the Governor of the Straits Settlements; and whether the British Government has any control over the administration of Sarawak?

Lieut.-Colonel AMERY

By the Agreement of 1888 (C. 5617), to which I would refer the hon. Member, Sarawak is recognised as an independent State under the protection of Great Britain, and His Majesty's Government has no control over the administration of the State except within the limits laid down by that Agreement. The Governor of the Straits Settlements is British Agent for Sarawak.