HC Deb 30 April 1901 vol 93 cc251-2
MR. BLACK (Banffshire)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is proposed to lay before the House the scheme of civil administration proposed by Sir Alfred Milner before it is brought into operation; if so, can he state when it may be expected that the scheme will be laid upon the Table, and will opportunity be given for its discussion.

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

The scheme of civil administration will be evolved gradually, as experience is gained of the requirements of the different departments. Consequently I do not anticipate that it will be possible, on any given date, to lay a complete scheme upon the Table of the House. The principles on which civil administration will be based, and some of the more important appointments which have already been made have already been communicated to Parliament in the parliamentary Paper Cd. 547 (pages 1 and 16).

MR. BLACK

Arising out of that question, am I to understand we are to have no opportunity whatever of discussing this scheme?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir, certainly not.

MR. BLACK

No opportunity?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

Hon. Members are not to understand that they will have no opportunity. The hon. Member will find plenty of opportunity.

MR. BLACK

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether in the scheme for civil administration it is proposed to have two separate legislative councils, one for the Transvaal and another for the Orange River Colony, and in what language the orders of these councils will be promulgated.

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative. As to the second point, nothing has yet been decided, but I am in communication with Sir A. Milner as to the precise practice to be followed.

MR. JOHN DEWAR (Inverness)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether in any scheme of judicial administration for the Transvaal and Orange River Colonies care will be taken that Scottish Law Agents in general are declared eligible to be admitted as attorneys in the new colonies, in the same way that Writers to the Signet and solicitors in the Supreme Court are already admitted.

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

I have already referred the matter to Sir A. Milner for his consideration.