§ MR. H. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, before the Vote is taken in Supplementary Estimates on Uganda, and West Africa, Papers in regard to these expenditures will be in the hands of Members?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.A Blue Book, carrying the history of the Uganda, Mutiny down to February the 1th will be laid on the Table in the course of next week. As regards the Question which deals with West Africa, the hon. Gentleman is aware that negotiations are pending in regard to that part of the world, and no Papers can be laid at the present time.
§ MR. LABOUCHEREThe House will be called upon to vote a very large sum of money with regard to the West African policy?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYYes, Sir; and, of course, the Government will be prepared to defend that policy when the Vote comes up for discussion.
§ MR. LABOUCHEREBut how are we to attack it?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI have the profoundest confidence in the ingenuity of the hon. Gentleman.
MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn. Regis)Is there any prospect of Papers in regard to West Africa being laid before the House is called upon to discuss the Estimates 1058 for the raising of troops for action in that country?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYNo, Sir; I do not think so.
§ MR. LABOUCHEREThen I beg to give notice that I shall oppose them.
§ SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Uganda Papers now promised will include any Papers with regard to the Roman Catholic claim for compensation.
MR. CURZONAs far as I am aware it is not contemplated by the Secretary of State to lay such Papers, but I will inquire.
§ SIR CHARLES DILKEI beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will look back at the Debate on this subject and see whether, as the matter stands, the Government is not unfavourable to the claim?