§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government propose to take any, and, if so, what, action with reference to the appointment of Mr. Beit to a directorship of the South African Chartered Company, having regard to the fact that the acceptance by the Chartered Company of Mr. Beit's resignation of a directorship of that company was enforced by the Colonial Office in May, 1896, under threat of proceedings against the charter of that Company.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.His Majesty's Government do not propose to take any action in this matter.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLThat is not the Question.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINYes, it is.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI asked whether Mr. Beit was compelled to resign owing to the pressure—
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! That is not the Question' of the hon. Member. It is whether the Government propose to take any action with respect to the appointment of Mr. Beit. That Question has been answered.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLAm I correct in stating these circumstances?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINNo, I do not accept the statement of fact.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI propose to ask a Question arising out of the answer, but you will not allow me.
§ * MR. SPEAKERThe right hon. Gentleman has given an express answer to the Question, and it cannot be debated.