HC Deb 11 June 1874 vol 219 c1406
MR. WILLIAM M'ARTHUR

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether the Government has received Despatches from Commodore Goodenough and Mr. Layard relative to the annexation of Fiji; and if so, when they will be laid upon the Table of the House?

MR. J. LOWTHER

Sir, the Report arrived last night. As the document is a very voluminous one, there has been no opportunity in the interval of ascertaining whether it contains matters of a confidential character, which could not with propriety be laid upon the Table. The subject, however, will be immediately considered, and in the event of no objection arising from the cause indicated, the Papers will very shortly be presented to Parliament.