HC Deb 28 April 1885 vol 297 cc970-1
MR. INDERWICK

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether the Government had received any information as to the reported fighting in Canada; and, whether there was any reason to believe that the rebel forces had, been defeated with considerable loss?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY,

in reply, said, that the Government had received two telegrams from the Governor General—one on Monday, which the Secretary of State had read in the House of Lords, and it virtually corroborated what the newspapers stated. That morning the Government had received another telegram, which, was as follows:—"There has been no fighting since Friday." Evidently that answered the Question of the hon. and learned Gentleman, as, according to the telegram, it was certain that there had not been a defeat of the rebels on Sunday. The telegrams confirmed the severity of the action, and increased the number of casualties. They further stated that the rebels had disappeared; but the General's advance was delayed by the care of the wounded and by having to wait for supplies. The General intended to push on to Prince Albert as soon as possible.

MR. HEALY

asked, if the hon. Gentleman would say whether any Papers would be laid on the Table, more especially with reference to the grievances of the half-breeds?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

said, that it would be premature to say at present. The Government had no Papers on the subject in their possession.