§ MR. CHAMBERLAINasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, having regard to the Despatch of Sir Bartle Frere, dated January 24th, and just published, in which the High Commissioner recapitulates the reasons which have induced him to commence hostilities without waiting for the assent of Her Majesty's Government, Whether he now considers that any further delay is necessary in the public interest before the House discusses the causes of the Zulu War.
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHSir, I am not quite prepared to endorse the description which the hon. Member gives in his Question of the despatch of Sir Bartle Frere to which he alludes, or to accept the implication which appears to be contained in the Question that it is my duty to fix the day on which the hon Baronet the Member for Chelsea (Sir Charles W. Dilke) should bring on his Motion; but so far as regards the opinion of the Government on the subject, I would ask the hon. Member to repeat his Question on Friday next, by which time the despatches by the mail next due will have arrived, and will be in our possession.