§ * SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT: (Sheffield, Ecclesall)said, he desired to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies a Question, of which he had given private notice—viz., whether it was the fact that Advocate Cloete had been appointed Her Majesty's representative at Pretoria, and whether he could give any information as to the sentences on the Reform leaders?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINThese questions were only put into my hand as I entered the House. My hon. Friend would confer a personal favour on myself if he would put all questions regarding South African matters on the Paper. ["Hear, hear!"] With regard to the Questions he now asks me, I may say that Sir Jacobus de Wet has expressed a desire to be immediately relieved from his official duties in consequence of illness, and under the circumstances Advocate Cloete has been temporarily appointed to take his place. Her 1572 Majesty's Government have no intention of making a permanent appointment until they have had an opportunity of conferring with Sir Hercules Robinson. With regard to the prisoners, I have no information.
§ * SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTMay I be allowed to explain the reasons——
§ * MR. SPEAKERNo attack has been made on the hon. Member, so as to justify a personal explanation.
§ * SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTasked the right hon. Gentleman whether his request for notice was intended to apply to the case of appointments like the present made by himself and of which he therefore had ample knowledge.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINThe hon. Gentleman will, of course, act on his own discretion. [Opposition ironical laughter.] My request is that all questions referring to South Africa should be put on the Paper.