§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTON (Tower Hamlets, Poplar)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any information as to the reason for, and the result of, the recent Military operations in the Protectorate of Sierra Leone, directed against Bey Burai; and when he will be able to lay upon the Table the Report of Sir David Chalmers in regard to the circumstances which led to the disturbances which took place last year in the Protectorate, and in regard to the state of affairs in the Protectorate generally?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.Sir D. Chalmers' Report will have to be submitted to the Governor for his observations. As Sir F. Cardew will be in this country on leave in a week or two I hope that there will be little delay in completing the consideration of the Report, after which it will be immediately presented to Parliament with Sir E. Cardew's observations. Meanwhile, it is not possible for me to express any opinion at present as to the cause of the disturbances or the reasons for the operations against Bey Burai. But I am glad to say that by the latest advices the country was tranquil, a general amnesty had been proclaimed, trade was rapidly improving, and the Hut Tax was being collected without any difficulty.
§ MR. DAVITTWill this general amnesty include Bey Burai?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIESHe is not at present charged with anything except general participation in the rebellion.
§ MR. DAVITTHe is under arrest, is he not?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIESYes, at present, but the future disposition of him is still under consideration, and' will depend in some measure upon the Report.