§ Mr. Monslowasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what contribution the Isle of Man at present makes annually towards the cost of Imperial Defence and other common services; how much the island paid towards the cost of the war; and what increase is proposed in the annual contribution.
§ Mr. EdeThe present contribution as fixed in 1866 by the Isle of Man Customs, Harbours and Public Purposes Act, 1866, is £10,000 per annum. The Island has made a free gift of £1,750,000 towards the cost of the war and also a loan of £500,000 free of interest.
In April, 1949, Tynwald resolved as follows: 180W
That Tynwald feels it right that the Isle of Man should make a greater contribution towards the cost of Imperial Defence and other common services.Representatives of Tynwald were thereupon appointed to accompany His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor for discussions with His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom as to the basis of an agreed annual contribution and its amount and as to a further contribution towards the reduction of the National Debt arising from the cost of the war. This delegation made certain recommendations to Tynwald as a result of these discussions but I understand that Tynwald has rejected them.
It is now for Tynwald to consider what steps should be taken to implement the resolution passed in April last.