§ MR. THOMAS BAYLEY (Derbyshire, Chesterfield)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether any accounts have been made out between the War Office and the Chartered Company (in payment of Imperial troops lent to the Chartered Company); what sums have been paid by the Company, and what amount is still owing in account by them; and, whether any payments made and sums due or estimated, or both, will appear in the Estimates; if not, in what Statement or accounts can they be found?
*MR. POWELL-WILLIAMSIt is known that considerable payments have been made in South Africa to the War Office account, but details cannot yet be given. In addition the Company have provided for the subsistence of the Imperial troops employed, besides meeting heavy charges for transport. The whole question of the claim to be preferred against the British South Africa Company is under consideration, but it is expected to be settled on this years' accounts, so that no provision in next year's Estimates was necessary.
§ MR. BAYLEYasked whether the hon. Gentleman could state the total amount that had been paid up to the present time?
MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government has taken or intend to take any steps to procure the attendance for the purpose of examination before the South African Committee of this House of Messrs. Sampson and Davis, now imprisoned in Pretoria?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER,replying in the absence of Mr. CHAMBEKRLAIN, said that the Question of the attendance of witnesses was in the hands of the Committee.