HC Deb 02 August 1894 vol 27 c1574
SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Transvaal Volksraad have recently passed a law denying the franchise to all foreign residents whose parents have not been naturalised?

MR. S. BUXTON

We have not received any official information in reference to this matter.

SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

But I would ask whether, as this law was passed some three months ago, he will endeavour to obtain this information?

MR. S. BUXTON

We have, of course, seen the information in the papers, but we have no official information.

SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

Can the hon. Gentleman not tell me whether my statement is true? Have we no Representative in the Transvaal from whom he can get the information necessary to give an answer?

MR. S. BUXTON

I think we have all the information we require about it; but we have no special official information.

SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

Is or is not the statement contained in my question a fact? Has such a law been passed, or has it not?

MR. S. BUXTON

I believe such a law has been passed.

MR. TOMLINSON (Preston)

Is it not the duty of British Representatives in foreign countries to report to the Home Government any alterations of law affecting British subjects?

MR. S. BUXTON

I do not know what the actual duties of British Representatives in foreign countries are.

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