MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, whether His Majesty's Government have considered Lord Kitchener's statement in his Despatch of 8th November, 1901, that the non-existence of martial law on the coast line of Cape Colony has enabled the agents of the enemy to carry on their operations in complete security, and has afforded opportunities for the introduction of foreign recruits, and for frequent intercourse between Europe and the burghers and rebels in the field; whether, in view of the fact that the introduction of foreign recruits and intercourse with Europe can be carried on upon other coast lines than that of Cape Colony, His Majesty's cruisers are still employed in preventing such intercourse and the introduction of such recruits or of contraband of war by visiting on the high seas any vessels suspected of contravening the Law of Nations; what was the date of the last visit of a ship on the high seas by anyone of His Majesty's cruisers; and is the Prize Court at Durban still in existence.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.The control of the coast by His Majesty's ships to prevent communication with the enemy is still in operation. As regards the Question in the last paragraph, June 27th, 1900, is the date for which my hon. friend asks. No doubt is entertained that the Prize Court at Durban is still in existence.