§ Sir WILFRID LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)I wish to ask the Colonial Secretary a question of which I have not given him private notice, but which, I think, he will have no difficulty in answering—whether he has received any communication from the Members of Parliament mentioned as having written letters to the Transvaal, and, if so, whether he is prepared to make any statement with regard to the letters or the course he intends to take.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir. Copies of the letters attributed to these Gentlemen were only sent to them last night, and I have not had time to receive an answer.
§ MR. DALZIEL (Kirkcaldy)In the event of the alleged writers refusing permission to publish the letters, as the allegation is a serious one, will the right hon. Gentleman give the public an opportunity of judging by himself undertaking the responsibility of publishing them?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI have not given the Gentlemen an opportunity of refusing permission. All I have asked is whether they have any observations or explanations to make.
§ SIR WILFRID LAWSONWill the right hon. Gentleman take an opportunity of publishing them at all?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI told the House on the last occasion when I was asked a question on the subject that when I received replies from the gentlemen Her Majesty's Government would consider the matter.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLWill you publish them to-morrow morning for us to discuss them?