§ SIR ANDREW SCOBLE (Hackney, Central)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is intended to compensate loyal residents in Natal for the injury done to their property during the recent Boer occupation; whether any steps have been taken to ascertain the amount of compensation due to such residents; whether prompt payment will be made to those whose claims are established; and whether such compensation will be paid out of the funds of the colony; and whether it is proposed to make any grant from Imperial funds in order to secure that immediate and adequate compensation may be afforded in all proper cases.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.Her Majesty's Government have pledged themselves to exact compensation for loyal residents for direct losses. A Commission was appointed by the Governor in December last to make inquiry as to direct losses in invaded districts, and is still engaged in its task. The Colonial Government have undertaken to advance compensation to an amount not exceeding 75 per cent. of the valuation as assessed by the Commission in cases where it can be proved that claimants are in urgent need of financial assistance. Compensation will to this extent be advanced out of Colonial funds, on the understanding that ultimately compensation will be paid out of the indemnity to be exacted from the Orange River Colony and the Transvaal. No grant from Imperial funds is contemplated in these circumstances.