HC Deb 10 July 1899 vol 74 cc321-2
SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)

I desire to ask the First Lord of the Treasury a question of which I have given him private notice—namely, whether he has any information to give the House with regard to the progress of the negotiations with the Transvaal.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I shall be glad if the right hon. Gentleman would address the question to the Colonial Secretary, who is the proper Minister to deal with the subject.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I did not intend any disrespect to the Colonial Secretary, but I thought the matter was one of such importance that it would be the chief representative of the Government who would reply.

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

The matter is at present rather in a confused state. We do not ourselves entirely understand what has been proposed, and I would therefore prefer that the right hon. Gentleman should give notice for tomorrow.