§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHasked the First Lord of the Treasury, "Whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to propose a Vote in 236 Supply for the purpose, described in his Notice of Motion, of making "adequate provision for the interests of any South African Chief who may have just claims on them;" and, if so, whether he will give the same undertaking, with respect to such a Vote, which he has given with respect to that for the salary of the Transvaal Resident, viz. that it shall be brought forward at a convenient period of the Session, and, if necessary, taken out of the regular course?
MR. GLADSTONESir, I believe that the latter part of this Question describes correctly what has taken place with regard to the Transvaal; and I should say that, if occasion arises to ask for money for the purposes indicated in the first part of the Question, it certainly would be asked by the method of submitting an Estimate; and we should submit that Estimate at the earliest moment, when we were able to form a judgment of what would be required. We should also consider that Estimate to fall under the same regulations as that for the salary of the Resident in the Transvaal; but the time has not arrived when we shall be able to say whether money will be required for that purpose or not. It is possible that the arrival of Sir Hercules Robinson in this country, which is expected to take place shortly, will advance our decision on that subject.