HC Deb 12 June 1896 vol 41 cc964-5
MR. W. J. GALLOWAY (Manchester, S.W.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether the commutation of the sentences on the Reform Leaders to a money fine and banishment or an undertaking to abstain from politics in the Transvaal was, under the Dutch law under which these leaders were condemned, illegal, and therefore ultra vires on the part of the Transvaal Government?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN, Birmingham, W.)

I am not aware that the course taken by the South African Republic is illegal under the Roman Dutch law. Commutations of sentences are frequently, in effect, matters of agreement between prisoners and Governments, and in this case I do not think the persons concerned will desire to raise any objection. [Opposition cheers.]