HC Deb 16 July 1897 vol 51 cc308-9
SIR WILFRID LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the Government intend to take any action on the Report of the South Africa Committee?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

The Government are devoting their attention to the question of the future government of the territories under the control of the South Africa Company, and for that purpose propose to consult immediately the directors of the South Africa Company [cries of "Oh!"], Sir A. Milner, and the authorities of Cape Colony.

SIR W. LAWSON

The right hon. Gentleman has not said what action the Government intend to take upon the Report of the South Africa Committee?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

That, I think, would be action on the Report.

MR. J. DILLON (Mayo, E.)

wished to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it was proposed to institute any prosecution as the result of the Report of the South Africa Committee?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

Not that I am aware of.

MR. THOMAS BAYLEY (Derbyshire, Chesterfield)

asked whether the House was to understand from the reply of the right hon. Gentleman that the South Africa Committee were not going to meet again until next year, and that there was going to he no inquiry by the Committee into the Chartered Company's administration of the native races of South Africa?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

No, Sir. The Question asked me had nothing whatever to do with the meeting of the Committee next year, nor is my answer to be supposed to refer to that part of the hon. Member's Question at all.