§ MR. C. MCARTHUR (Liverpool, Exchange)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the prolonged delay which has arisen in connection with the transfer of the Niger territories from the Chartered Company to the Imperial Government, and the consequent disadvantage under which present and intending traders in those territories are labouring, he can give any further information as to the approximate date and terms of the transfer, and particularly whether it will take place in time to admit of mercantile operations being commenced under it during the ensuing high water season of the River Niger, which commences to rise in May.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERI cannot judge of the disadvantage referred to by my honourable Friend, and any question on that subject would be more properly addressed to the Foreign Office; but I do not think it probable that the transfer will be completed before May.