§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the nature of the differences which have arisen between the native population and the Chartered Company of British North Borneo; have any efforts been made by the British North Borneo Company to discuss the grievances of the natives with a view to an amicable settlement, as on a previous occasion, when Mat Salleh delivered his sword to Mr. Cowie, the manager of the British North Borneo Company; will he state the nature of the expedition sent against Mat Salleh and his followers; and whether the expenses will be charged to the British taxpayer or to the British North Borneo Company.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI am unable to answer this question without referring to the British North Borneo Company. If the hon. Member will kindly postpone his 715 question for a week, I hope then to be in a position to reply.