§ MR. SCHWANN (Manchester, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state how many Boer prisoners have been landed in Ceylon up to the present time, and how many deaths have occurred amongst Boer prisoners interned in Ceylon since the first batch was landed in the island.
§ MR. BRODRICKOver 5,000 prisoners have been landed in Ceylon. The total deaths up to date amount to 96.
§ MR. NORMAN (Wolverhampton, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether any steps are being taken to educate the Boer prisoners at St. Helena and in Ceylon; to inform them concerning the principles and methods of British Colonial administration and government; to circulate among them a correct knowledge of the terms of peace recently offered to and refused by General Botha, and to appoint suitable British subjects to afford them any information they may properly desire; and, if not, whether he will cause such steps to be taken at once.
§ MR. BRODRICKSchools have been provided, under the supervision of a committee composed of prisoners of war, in which English is taught. Recreation rooms for concerts have been arranged. Trades and various British sports are being carried on. Other opportunities of enlightenment will be given so far as is desired by the prisoners.
§ MR. TULLY (Leitrim, S.)Will the right hon. Gentleman get any of the Boers of instruct British generals in the art of war?
§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL (Kerry, W.)May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Boers are taught their own language?
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!