HC Deb 03 September 1886 vol 308 c1182
SIR SAMUEL WILSON (Portsmouth)

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether the Government have decided to appoint a Committee of both Houses of Parliament to inquire and report upon the question of Imperial Federation between the United Kingdom and her Colonies?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)

My hon. Friend will, I am sure, understand that it would be impossible, without risk of misapprehension, to state the views of Her Majesty's Government upon this subject within the limits of an answer to a Question. But at present I can only say that, in accordance with the promise given by the Prime Minister to the deputation at the Colonial Office, the Government have taken this matter into their very careful consideration.