HC Deb 30 June 1884 vol 289 cc1670-1
MR. JOHN REDMOND

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether the attention of the Government has been called to the fact that Mr. Combes, one of the members of the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales, recently spoke of England as a "Foreign Country," and of the Imperial Parliament as a "Foreign Senate;" whether it is a fact that Mr. Combes is a justice of the peace for New South Wales and a "Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George;" whether the Government of New South Wales last year struck off the roll of magistrates, with the approval of the Imperial Government, three gentlemen, because they signed an address to Mr. J. S. Redmond, M.P., in which the words "Foreign Senate" were applied to the Imperial Parliament; and, whether the Colonial Office will now recommend a similar course being adopted in. the case of Mr. Combes?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

We have no information of the matter to which the hon. Member refers beyond the fact that Mr. Combes fills the positions do-scribed. But as to the last part of the Question, I may say that, as shown in. the Parliamentary Paper, the action of the New South Wales Government was based not merely on the words indicated in the Question, but also on an expression of admiration of "resolute resistance to the oppressive proceedings of the Foreign Senate." The Colonial Government acted entirely on its own initiative, and the initiative in such matters rests solely with them.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

said, he was sorry to trouble the hon. Gentleman; but he wished to inform him that it was in consequence of the expression he had mentioned that the action was taken. The words "Foreign Senate" were, he might say, the words relied upon in the case.

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

The action of the Government was taken after a consideration of all the facts and bearings of the case.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

asked whether the Colonial Office would inquire into all the facts of the case?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

As I have already said, the initiative in such cases rests entirely with the Colonial Government.