§ MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Sergeant Fisher, of the 69th (Sussex) Company, stated that, his horse having been shot during the combat at Vlakfontein, he took refuge behind some rocks when a Boer told him to hold up his hands; that on this he placed his carbine on the rocks, when the Boer approached him and told him to give up his belt and ammunition he shot the Boer with a revolver; and whether he will bring this matter to the knowledge of Lord Kitchener with a view to the punishment of the sergeant if he acted as he stated.
§ MR. BRODRICKNo, Sir. I am not aware of any such statement, nor am I prepared to consider it unless supported by further testimony.
§ MR. LABOUCHEREWhat does the right hon. Gentleman mean by "further testimony"? Does he mean whether the man wrote the letter or not?
§ MR. BRODRICKUnless there is some official confirmation of the circumstance I do not intend to take notice of it.
§ MR. LABOUCHEREWas there official confirmation that English wounded soldiers were murdered by the Boers before the right hon. Gentleman communicated with Lord Kitchener on the subject?
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLIs this man Fisher, who, according to his own account, has been guilty of a foul murder, to be dealt with?
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!