§ MR. BOLAND (Kerry, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to lay before the House a copy of the correspondence relating to the Maltese language question; and whether, if he is unable to do so before Whitsuntide, he will undertake to present it before the Vote on the Colonial Estimates is taken.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINSince I stated that I hoped to be able to lay the correspondence before Whitsuntide I have received further despatches, and it would be undesirable and contrary to precedent to present portions only of a correspondence still proceeding. Under the circumstances I fear that the presentation of the correspondence must be deferred. I will lay the Papers as soon as possible, but I cannot at present name any particular date.