§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (Sheffield, Ecclesall)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he can give the House any authentic information regarding the threatened Boer invasion of Swaziland; and (2) whether Her Majesty's Government have appointed a Consul to protect the rights of the Swazis, and who that Consul is?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. SYDNEY BUXTON,) Tower Hamlets, PoplarAs regards the first question, Sir H. Loch has not telegraphed during the last day or two; and we have perfect confidence he would have done so if the necessity had arisen. As regards the second question, Mr. Stuart has been appointed Acting Consul; the question of the person who shall be appointed permanent Consul is under consideration.
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTIs that the same Mr. Stuart who was in charge of the deputation over here?
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONYes, Sir.