HC Deb 20 July 1900 vol 86 c651
* SIR BRAMPTON GURDON

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can state when the Papers with referencs to the disturbances in connection with the British Central Africa Rifles, when quartered in Mauritius, will be laid before the House.

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

It is not proposed to lay any Papers on this subject before Parliament.

* SIR BRAMPTON GURDON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have had letters from Lord Selborne and the Under Secretary of State for War promising that these Papers should be laid on the Table?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir; I was not aware of that.

* SIR BRAMPTON GURDON

Will the right hon. Gentleman verify my statement? I do not expect him to believe it on my word.

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

Of course I entirely accept the statement of the hon. Member, and I will make inquiries into the subject. But the matter has been further considered; and I am not prepared to say now that I will produce Papers on the subject, f do not think it would be in the public interest that I should do so.