BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 March 1928, Page 3

BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. (Australian Press Association & earn.) (Received this day at 10.15 a.n..» LONDON, March 12. In the Commons, replying to a question, Hon. Amery denied that Indian troops were being sent to Koweit. He had no official confirmation that Ibn Saud had declared a holy war or identified himself with any such declaration. During the years 1917-23 Britain paid subsidies to Ibn Saud totalling £542,000. Nothing had been paid before 1917 or after 1923. The subsidy had been given in the first instance for assistance in the war against Turkey. There was no evidence that Ibn Saud had been directly responsible for the recent Wahabi raids in Iraq, which could scarcely be described as an invasion. Britain frequently communicated with Ibn Saud and invited him in December to meet the Resident at the Persian Gulf to discuss mitstnnding matters. Ibn Sami did not accept the invitation. Hon Amery told Commander Kcnwortliy that investigations did not confirm the suggestion that the first of the recent raids came from the Iraq side of the frontier. The text of I In' British Note to Ibn Saud regarding tlio supply of arms and ammunition bad been' presented to Parliament last year. Commander Kenworthy asked : “Arc we still bound by that note? Afust wo permit Ibn Saud to buy arms and ammunition from Britain?” Hon Amery replied: “If there is any evidence that arms supplied are being used against us, we may rightly arid „ properly complain.” Hon Amery, answering questions, said lie was not aware two ex-Gover-nors of West African colonics had obtained diamond and platinum commissions on the Gold Coast. It was obviously undesirable that ex-Governors should undertake commercial Activities immediately they relinquished their office, but where, as hero, a long period of years had intervened, at •would obviously lie absurd to imposo restrictions. Hon Amery told his questioners that liis recent Empire tour was undertaken to renew personal contact with the Dominion representatives and inform himself on Dominion problems, including migration, and the opinions on those subjects. He did not propose to publish any report or summary ol the impressions of his tour. It was not likely the Empire Settlement Act migrants in 1928 would show an increase over 1926 and 1927 figures, which were 66103 and 63027 respectively. Sir Joynson-Hicks introduced a Bill enfranchising women at the age of 21, and it was reiuLa first time. ■