§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state, in respect of the current year, how much money has been contributed by each of the Dominions and Crown Colonies towards Naval Defence?
Mr. DAVIDSONThe contributions of the Dominions towards Naval Defence take the form of maintenance of their own forces and establishments by the Governments of Canada, Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand and the Union of South Africa. In addition to these the Government of India maintains the Royal Indian Marine and pays a cash contribution towards the expenses of the East Indies Squadron, and the Colony of Hong Kong is paying during the current year a cash contribution towards the cost of the Singapore Base.
2129WThe amounts provided in the Estimates of the undermentioned parts of the Empire for the year 1925–26 are as follow:
Canada, $1,400,000.
Commonwealth of Australia, £3,921,145.
There is also a special appropriation of £1,000,000 for defence purposes generally.
New Zealand, £538,325.
Union of South Africa, £139,893.
India, Rs. 73,67,000.
Plus £100,000 contribution towards the maintenance of the East Indies Squadron.
Hong Kong, £120,000.
Contribution towards the cost of the Singapore Base.
The Straits Settlements have contributed the site for the Singapore Base.