First in-depth account of the role played by the Crown Agents in the growth of the colonies.

Introduction
The Office of the Crown Agents
Supply monopoly and the purchase of goods
Service provision: costs, delay, quality
The department system of infrastructure construction
Construction by contractor, private sector and public works
Public loan issue
The external finance safety net; monitoring the Crown Agents
External finance, the remittance of funds and colonial investments after 1899
Concessions, currency and stamps
The Crown Agents and personnel
The enquiries of 1901 and 1908