§ MR. W. E. FORSTERasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Why the Papers respecting affairs in Fiji, which were laid upon the Table of the House in August of last year and February of this year, have not yet been furnished to Members?
§ MR. J. LOWTHERsaid, that the reason why the Papers referred to by the right hon. Gentleman had not been furnished to Members until the previous day, was the pressure upon the printing staff caused by the fact that this year there had been very heavy Papers to prepare, including those relating to the Straits Settlements and Barbadoes. Steps would be taken to prevent the recurrence of such delays.
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERwished to know whether, as the Notice with respect to the Fiji Papers was given on Monday, and they were circulated on Wednesday, the delay did not arise after the printing was done?
§ MR. J. LOWTHERsaid, the printing department was so occupied with other matters of importance, especially the preparation of the Barbadoes Papers, that those relating to Fiji had for the time to be put aside.