HC Deb 03 July 1900 vol 85 c406
MR. WOODS (Essex, Walthamstow)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Corporal Courtney, of A Battery, Kingston, Toronto, was on the 24th May ordered to march a squad of the battery to the canteen to drink the Queen's health in beer, to which he had a personal objection; and that, in consequence, he has been reduced to the ranks; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the case.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.

I have no information as to the incident to which the hon. Member refers. The administration of the Canadian Militia is entirely a matter for the Canadian Government, and Her Majesty's Government have no right or desire to interfere in a question which solely concerns one of the self-governing colonies.