§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS - BEACHasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, When the Despatch from the Governor of Queensland with respect to the annexation of New Guinea will be in the hands of Members; whether he can now inform the House of the decision of Her Majesty's Government on the subject; and, whether the recent Correspondence with other Australasian Colonies, with respect to the annexation of certain other islands in the Pacific, will be presented to Parliament?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYThe despatch from the Governor of Queensland will be given to the House next week, together with other Papers on the subject. The Correspondence with the other Australasian Colonies as to certain Islands in the Pacific will also shortly be given to Parliament. As to the main portion of the right hon. Gentleman's Question, I regret that I cannot say anything more definite than I said last week. The question is a large one, and involves many considerations and inquiries; but I hope that shortly the 1125 House will be placed in possession of the views of Her Majesty's Government, as they propose laying on the Table the despatch which will be sent in reply to that of the Governor of Queensland.
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHThe telegram from the Governor of Queensland on the subject was received as long ago as the 10th of April; and Her Majesty's Government have been, therefore, some little time in making up their minds. I hope we may know next week what they propose to do.