§ Commander BELLAIRSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that Gibraltar carried forward a balance of £193,490 on 31st December, 1918, and of £296,455 on 31st December, 1919; and whether he will examine the position of this and similar colonies where we maintain garrisons with a view to suggestion for annual contributions to the cost of the garrisons, having regard to the fact that those garrisons confer a considerable benefit on the Colonies?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI understand that the facts are as stated in the first part of the question, but that it is anticipated that owing to additions to salaries necessitated by the increased cost of living, and necessary expenditure upon public works, the balance will be reduced to £60,000 at the end of 1921. As regards the latter part of the question, it is already the case that certain Crown Colonies contribute towards the cost of their garrisons. I will gladly examine, in consultation with the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether this principle cannot now be further extended.