MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)To ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the increased security accruing to the trade and industry of the South African Colonies generally from the result of the war, His Majesty's Government propose to consider the propriety of communicating with the Governments of the Cape Colony and Natal, with a view to obtaining a contribution to the cost of the war from the proprietors of the De Beers and other South African diamond mines and gold mines outside the Transvaal and Orange River Colony.
(Answer.) His Majesty's Government do not propose to do so.—(Colonial Office.)