HC Deb 25 February 1884 vol 284 cc1846-7
MR. GIBSON

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Have Her Majesty's Government yet ascertained the fate of the 1,000 women and children in Sinkat; and, what applications have they made for such information?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

Sir, I regret to say that a telegram has been received from Her Majesty's Consul at Suakim, stating that no women or children have reached that place from Sinkat; that, as the soldiers carried their wives, they were probably killed; but that the fate of the children is more uncertain.

MR. GIBSON

Will the noble Lord state the day when the Government asked for the information?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I have not the actual telegram with me, but I have no objection to produce it.

MR. GIBSON

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us when he thought it was worth while to ask any question-about it? What telegrams were sent?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

This was the first.

MR. GIBSON

What is the date?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

The Question on the Paper is, what application was made? I meant to imply by my answer that the information I gave was in reply to a question addressed by us to the Consul at Suakim.

MR. GIBSON

When?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I have not got the telegram with me.

MR. GIBSON

The Question has been on the Paper for three days whether and what application has been made for information, and the noble Lord's answer shows that it was made. What I want to know is, when the Government asked for the information? I do not ask for the words.

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

That is a new Question. I have already said I have not the least objection to give the date.

MR. GIBSON

What is it?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I have not got it with me.

MR. GIBSON

I will repeat this Question to-morrow.