HC Deb 11 June 1901 vol 97 cc71-2
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on the 10th February, 1900, the military censor during the siege of Kimberley informed the editor of the Diamond Fields Advertiser, a paper under the control of Mr. Rhodes, that he had on two occasions printed articles on the military situation injurious to the interests of the Army and the defence of the town, and had committed offences dealt with by the Army Act, and informed him that proofs must be submitted to the censor before publication, and that in consequence the publication of the Diamond Fields Advertiser was suspended; and, seeing that, after raising the siege of Kimberley, Mr. Rhodes, in presence of General French and of Colonel Kekewich, took on himself the responsibility of those articles and ordered Colonel Kekewich out of his house when this interview took place, what notice, if any, is it intended to take of this matter; whether these matters were brought to the notice of Lord Roberts while in command in South Africa, and what notice, if any, did he take or recommend in reference to these matters.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, Guildford

I am not aware of the circumstances alluded to in the question, nor was any report made to Lord Roberts.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter was brought under the notice of the late Secretary for War and—

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

NOW, Mr. Speaker—

MR. SPEAKER

The right hon. Gentleman was asked if attention had been called to a specific fact, and his answer was in the negative.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Arising out of that answer, and having regard to the fact I have now specifically directed his attention to, and seeing also that Mr. Rhodes has grossly insulted Colonel Kekewich, will inquiry be made?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. BRODRICK

The whole occurrence dates back fifteen or eighteen months. I certainly shall make no inquiry.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

YOU dare not. You are under the control of Rhodes.

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!