§ MR. J. H. DALZIEL (Kirkcaldy Burghs)I wish to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is the case, as stated in the papers this morning, 240 that an official of the Government has been dispatched to intercept Dr. Jameson, and whether he carries a warrant for Dr. Jameson's arrest, and if so, what is the charge?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINAll the proceedings in reference to the prosecution which will be instituted against Dr. Jameson are now in the hands of the Solicitor to the Treasury, and it is to the Treasury, therefore, the hon. Gentleman ought to address his question.
§ MR. DALZIELMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman, on a question of fact, whether or not an official has been dispatched?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI do not know. [Laughter.]
§ MR. DALZIELThen I will address my question to the First Lord of the Treasury. I presume someone is responsible and will know whether an official has been dispatched. [Opposition cheers.]
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI imagine that this question has to do either with the prosecution of Dr. Jameson or with the collection of evidence. I imagine that in either of these cases the question should be addressed to the Law Officers of the Crown. [Laughter.]
§ MR. DALZIELI will ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he can give me any information as to who the prosecutor is, and whether in the event of this question being put down for to-morrow he will have any further information on the subject?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYEither I or my learned Friend will be glad to give the information in our possession, but the prosecutor I suppose is the prosecutor on behalf of the Crown. [A laugh.]
§ MR. DALZIELHas the Solicitor-General any information to give as to who the prosecutor is?
§ THE SOLICITOR-GENERAL (Sir R. B. FINLAY,) Inverness BurghsThe information is that in every case the prosecution is on behalf of the Crown. [Renewed laughter.]