§ SIR JOHN COLOMB (Great Yarmouth)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to statements alleged to have been made by Sir William, Robinson, the late Governor of Hong Kong, relative to the defences of that place; whether Sir William Robinson did make such statements; and whether Colonial Office regulations prohibit ex-governors communicating to the public Press information relating to the defence of Colonies acquired during their tenure of office?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.My attention has been called to the statements alleged to have been made by Sir William Robinson to a Press representative. I do not know whether the report is correct or not, but I may say, generally, that I entirely disapprove of the practice which has recently become common of officials in the Colonial Service, or recently in that Service, allowing themselves to be interviewed on leaving or arriving in England, and giving their opinions on debateable questions of public policy or on matters affecting the defence and military resources of British possessions. I am causing a circular to this effect to be addressed to all officers in the Colonial Service abroad.
§ SIR ELLIS ASHMEAD-BARTLETTI should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman, arising out of this Question, whether it is the fact that the defenceless position of Hong Kong, referred to in—
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! Notice must be given of that Question.
§ SIR ELLIS ASHMEAD-BARTLETTSir, I do not think you have heard my Question. Sir, if you will be good enough to listen to it, it is—whether it is not the fact that the statements made or alleged to have been made by Sir William Robinson only embrace facts that are known to the whole world?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! That does not arise out of the Question; neither is it one which should be put without notice.