§ MR. LEWISasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, since the defeat 720 of Her Majesty's Troops by the Boers on the 27th February, Her Majesty's Government has taken any active steps whatever towards the making of an armistice with the Boers?
MR. GLADSTONESir, I was under the impression that this point had been disposed of by a former answer of mine. I have only to say that no steps whatever have been taken by Her Majesty's Government. The hon. Gentleman is aware that the Government have approved what Sir Evelyn Wood has done, and have given him permission to prolong the armistice if he finds it necessary.
§ MR. RITCHIEasked the right hon. Gentleman, Whether Her Majesty's Government is aware of any steps taken by the British Commander subsequent to the death of Sir George Colley for bringing about an Armistice, whether on his own initiative or on the initiative of Her Majesty's Government?
MR. GLADSTONEThe question of the initiative of Her Majesty's Government I have disposed of. With regard to what has been done by the British Commander, we have already informed the House of all we know on the subject.