§ SIR JAMES RANKIN (Hereford)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if the Government have come to any decision as to the question of affording assistance in the way of free or assisted passages from England to South Africa to the families of soldiers who desire to settle in South Africa; and whether, when the Government have come to a decision on this matter, they will communicate their intentions to the Emigrants' Information Office, 31, Broadway, Westminster, so that the information may be properly diffused.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURAs my hon. friend is probably aware, a statement has already been made in the House, and the matter has been referred to a Departmental Committee, That Committee has not yet reported. I have no doubt that the suggestion contained in the last part of the question is one that will not be lost sight of by the Colonial Office.
§ MR. DILLONWill the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that no steps will be taken until the House of Commons has had an opportunity of expressing its opinion?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNo, Sir, I do not think I can give such an assurance.