§ MR. THORNHILLasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether the prisoners apprehended for the riots in Barbadoes in April last have as yet been brought to trial; and, if not, what is the reason of the delay; and, when the Papers on the subject of the disturbances will be laid upon the Table?
§ MR. J. LOWTHERA Commission was nominated by the Governor of Barbadoes for the purpose of trying the persons charged with rioting during the recent disturbances, and that Commission received the sanction of the Secretary of State. I am unable to say, without communication with the island, whether 1282 it has already commenced its labours or not, but I will make inquiries by telegraph if necessary, and will let my hon. Friend know the result. As to the latter part of his Question—namely, when the Papers will be laid upon the Table—I undertook a short time back to endeavour to present them in about a fortnight or three weeks from that date. This promise I could literally carry out, so far as the bulk of the Papers is concerned, if it was for the convenience of the House; but after communicating with several hon. Gentlemen who take an interest in the subject I was led to believe that, owing to the postponement of the Motion relating to this question until the end of the month, it would be better to defer the distribution till all the recent Papers could be included in the series. If, however, the House wishes it, the earlier Papers can be issued at once, leaving the later ones to follow. That course would be open to the objection that the first instalment would contain for the most part one side of the controversy, leaving the replies to charges unpublished. I hope, however, that all the Papers will very shortly be in the hands of Members.