§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any information as to the condition of Swaziland, and especially as to the reports that the country has been practically annexed to the Transvaal; and what steps are being taken by Her Majesty's Government to preserve the rights of the Swazi people?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, WestI have no special information to communicate to the House respecting Swaziland—there has been no change in the political condition of the country since the Convention of 1894. I have received from the hon. Member certain complaints on behalf of the Swazis, and have forwarded them to the High Commissioner, with a request that they should be inquired into, but I have not yet received the High Commissioner's report.
§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTHas the right hon. Gentleman no reports from Her Majesty's representative in Swaziland that he can lay before the House?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIESNo, Sir; I have nothing of general interest, though I have continual reports from him.