HC Deb 09 May 1901 vol 93 c1139
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies will he state what is the nature of the personal punishment to which he referred and which he recommended in December last as a substitution for the punishment of the burning of the Boer farms in South Africa.

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

I have not interfered in any way with the discretion of the military authorities, and the hon. Member is incorrect in saying that I have recommended any punishment.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer my question? With all respect to him, he has not done so.

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

did not rise.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I press for an answer.

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The right hon. Gentleman declines to add anything to his answer.