§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, before Lord Roberts left Johannesburg, the hon. Member for the Macclesfield Division, of the Imperial Yeomanry, was sent to Lord Roberts on behalf of the officers and men to induce Lord Roberts to fix a date for the return of the corps, but failed to obtain an interview with the Commander-in-Chief; and that on being referred to Lord Kitchener, he asked why the Imperial Yeomanry had been detained in South Africa, while the Household Corps and the 10th Hussars were allowed to return home, and asked, further, for a definition of the legal position of the Imperial Yeomanry, and that a day for their return should be named, but was informed by Lord Kitchener that the Imperial Yeomanry should remain as long as their services were required; and whether, having regard to the discontent which is alleged to prevail among the Imperial Yeomanry, he will now define the legal position of this corps and the terms under which it consented to go on active service, and will name a definite day for their return.
§ MR. BRODRICKNothing is known of the interviews alluded to in the first paragraph. I am well aware of the natural desire of many members of the Imperial Yeomanry to return home, but they are willing loyally to abide by their terms of enlistment. Every consideration will be given to them which is possible, but as to the date of their return I have nothing to add to my reply of the 22nd instant.†
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLWill the hon. Gentleman inquire whether this interview took place as stated in the public press some weeks ago?
§ * MR. BRODRICKI have said we have no official knowledge.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLNo official knowledge, or no knowledge at all?
§ [No answer was returned.]
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI press for an answer.
† See page 898.
§ MR. SPEAKERThe hon. Member has no right to cross-examine a Minister.