HC Deb 30 April 1895 vol 33 cc119-20
MR. THOMAS BAYLEY (Derbyshire, Chesterfield)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now inform the House as to the scope of the inquiries to be made by Sir John Kirk in his mission to the Niger District; and whether Her Majesty's Government's attention has been called to statements in the newspapers to the effect that the recent attack on Akassa was initiated by the Ejo people, who are subjects of the Royal Niger Company, and was only taken part in at their instigation by the Brassmen; and, if so, whether this information is confirmed from official sources?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir EDWARD GREY,) Northumberland, Berwick

It was stated in an answer given on the 25th instant that Sir John Kirk's instructions will embrace an inquiry into all the circumstances connected with the recent outbreak, the redress of grievances, and the maintenance of order in the two Protectorates. The reports received hitherto state distinctly that the attack was planned in the Brass Country and carried out by the Brass chiefs.