§ MR. M'DERMOTTI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state the number of towns and villages which have been destroyed during the recent military operations in Ashanti; and, whether any steps have been taken to ascertain the extent of the destitution and loss of life caused by the destruction of the habitations of the people and of their crops and other food stuffs.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINNo; but in reply to inquiries I made at the time, I was assured that the destruction of towns and villages was limited to what was absolutely necessary to produce submission, but that the food supply was practically inexhaustible, and that there was no danger of famine or destitution.