§ Mr. Ammonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement on the commission of inquiry into the finances of Nyasaland, which he has just appointed; and whether, in view of the serious effects of the present system of taxation, the commissioner will be authorised, if it appears necessary, to recommend a grant-in-aid from the Imperial Exchequer?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreThe terms of reference of the Commission have been published and, pending the result of the inquiry, I am not in a position to make any further statement. I would, however, point out as regards the second part of the question that the terms of reference include an inquiry as to whether and, if so, what modifications in the existing system of taxation in Nyasaland should be effected. As regards the last part of the question, it will be seen from the Estimates that Nyasaland already receives a larger grant-in-aid by the British Exchequer than any other Colonial Dependency.