§ MR. M. DAVITTI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received a petition signed by 9,00ft citizens of Johannesburg, asking for the release of the few remaining Irish political prisoners; and if, in obedience to the appeal made by so large a number in that city, he can see his way to recommend the liberation of these men during this jubilee year of Her Majesty's reign?
§ SIR MATTHEW WHITE RIDLEYI have received a petition to the effect mentioned, signed by a large number of residents in Johannesburg and the South African Republic generally, but I am afraid my answer must be that I have nothing to add to my recent statements in the House on this subject.