HC Deb 25 February 1887 vol 311 c583
MR. O. V. MORGAN (Battersea)

In the interests of our fellow-countrymen in South. Africa, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether the letter in The Times of Tuesday, bearing the signature of the Marquess of Salisbury, is authentic?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir HENRY HOLLAND) (Hampstead)

The letter referred to by the hon. Member is authentic. The language clearly indicated that the Marquess of Salisbury regretted and deprecated the feeling which, however, the occurrences of the last few years led him to believe existed in the minds of many Members of Parliament; but that he thought the existence of such a feeling should be noted.

MR. O. V. MORGAN

Arising out of that answer, may I ask whether the opinion expressed in the Marquess of Salisbury's letter is also the opinion in general of Her Majesty's Government?

SIR ROBERT FOWLER (London)

Before that Question is answered, may I ask whether the Marquess of Salisbury's letter was marked "Confidential?"

SIR HENRY HOLLAND

I have stated, fully and clearly, I hope, the effect of the language of the Marquess of Salisbury's letter, and there can be no doubt that that is also the opinion of Her Majesty's Government.

SIR ROBERT FOWLER

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered my Question whether the Marquess of Salisbury's letter was not marked "Confidential."

SIR HENRY HOLLAND

That, Sir, I am unable to say.