17
any firm estimate of their budgetary out turns in future
Meanwhile, as Their Lordships are aware, steps
years.
have already been taken to impress upon Colonial Govern-
ments generally the imperative need for the strictest
economy in public expenditure consistent with the
maintenance of a satisfactory standard of administration.
In this connection, it is proposed to communicate copies
of the Treasury Circular of the 28th of September to
Colonial Governments.
60
Mr. MacDonald will shortly be receiving from
Colonial Governments their estimates for the coming financial
year (which may in some cases necessarily be provisionai
only), and the examination of these estimates in the
Colonial Office will be undertaken in the light of the
general principles which he has laid down. Similarly,
the preparation of estimates of the provision, other
than grants to Colonial Governments, required under
subheads of the Colonial and Middle Eastern Services Vote
will be guided by those principles, and thereafter the
estimates will be submitted to the Treasury in detail
for Their Lordships' approval.
7. It is regretted that it is not possible to
indicate at present what savings or excesses are likely
to occur on the Colonial Development Fund Vote (Class II.9)
as the future scope of the Fund is at present the subject
of discussion.
I am, etc.,
(Signed) A.C.C. PARKINSON.