§ MR. HEDDERWICKI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government have agreed to take over the administration of the territories hitherto administered by the Royal Niger Company; whether Boussa, on the Niger, was acquired by treaty by the Royal Niger Company; whether a British Protectorate over Boussa was declared in 1895, and the Government of France informed of the fact; whether Boussa is now occupied by French troops; and whether, with due regard to the interests of the State, he can say what is the policy of the Government with regard to Boussa?
MR. CURZONNo decision has yet been arrived at on the first point. Boussa has not been acquired by treaty by any one, but treaties were concluded with it by the Royal Niger Company in 1885 and 1890. The answer to the third and fourth questions is in the affirmative, and to the fifth in the negative.
§ MR. HEDDERWICKDo the Government regard Boussa as a point of importance—I understand it is the last navigable point on the Niger?
MR. CURZONThat is a roving kind of Question, which I am not certain that the hon. Gentleman ought to put, but which I am quite certain I ought not to reply to.