HC Deb 19 June 1902 vol 109 cc1108-9
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the re-appointment of Dr. Jameson, C.B., to a directorship of the South African Chartered Company has been made with the sanction of the Colonial Office, and what communications have passed between the Colonial Office and the South African Chartered. Company with reference to the appointment of Dr. Jameson; and, whether, having regard to the fact that the charter of the South African Chartered Company is held at the pleasure of the Crown, have any, and, if so, what representations been made to that Company with reference to the appointment on its Board four months ago of Mr. Beit, who supplied the funds of the Jameson Raid, and last week of Dr. Jameson, who led that Raid.

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

I informed the hon. Member on 14th May that the appointment of British directors of the British South Africa Company is not subject to my approval. No communications have passed and no representations have been made.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

May I ask whether, having regard to the fact that this is a Chartered Company, and the charter can be revoked at the pleasure of the Crown, the right hon. Gentleman will represent to the company the inadvisability of having two of the Raid conspirators on the directorship.

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

The hon. Member is misinformed. The charter does not give absolute power to the Crown to revoke it. The Crown can only revoke the charter if its terms are not properly and substantially observed, and the terms have not been violated by the appointment of directors by the shareholders. I do not consider that the Government has any concern in the matter, and I certainly shall not take any steps.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Then may I ask—

Mr. SPEAKER

The Question on the Paper has been answered.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

This arises out of the Question on the Paper.

MR. SPEAKER

No. The Question was what communications had passed with reference to the appointment of two directors. That has been answered, and if the hon. Member wishes to put a further question he must give notice.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Very well. I will keep it up for the Government.