§ SIR M. HICKS-BEACH (Bristol, W.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies a question of which I have given him private notice: whether he has any information, in addition to that already published, in reference to the lamentable occurrence in West Africa; whether it took place in territory within the British sphere of influence; and, if so, how he can account for the unfortunate collision?
§ MR. S. BUXTONThe Government have received information, which, however, only confirms, and does not amplify, the telegrams already published in the newspapers. It is not, therefore, necessary to trouble the House with it. With reference to the question whether the collision actually occurred within the British sphere of influence, I have no fresh information to convey to the House. We believe that it did occur within the English sphere of influence, but the Government will make further inquiry before making a definite statement on the subject.