§ MR. CHANNING (Northamptonshire, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he has any information to the effect that the British garrison at Hoopstad, after being relieved last summer, was besieged by the Boers from August last till within a few weeks ago, and the garrison practically cut off from communication with the British forces elsewhere for seven or eight months; whether Hoopstad has been evacuated; and why no announcement respecting these matters has been made in despatches issued by the War Office.
LORD STANLEYThe garrison at Hoopstad was, like other garrisons off the railway line, dependent for its supplies on periodical convoys. The garrison was withdrawn about the beginning of April, but no special report has been received.
§ MR. CHANNINGDo I understand from the noble Lord that the War Office have not received the information which has reached private individuals, that this place was besieged for many months?
§ [No answer was returned.]
§ MR. CHANNINGI shall put another question on this.