MR. LABOUGHERE (Northampton)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can give an approximate estimate of the Boers now in the field against His Majesty's Forces; whether several thousand Basutos are now armed, and receive pay from His Majesty's Government, and whether, though armed, they are styled civilian night watchers; and what is the number of black men at present garrisoning the blockhouses, and what is their pay per man.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, GuildfordThe figures hitherto received from South Africa have necessarily been founded on approximate estimates of the number of Boers in the field, and the great dispersal of the Boers has rendered anything like accuracy a matter of great difficulty. The figures of captures since November prove that the estimate then made was unduly sanguine, and I should be afraid to give another figure without more perfect information. As regards the Basutos, I must refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for the Leigh Division of Lancashire, on the 4th February. † The information supplied to me was that natives were employed as watchmen, and were armed for their own protection. I have no information as to the numbers and pay of natives so employed.
§ MR. LABOUCHERECannot the right hon. Gentleman give the number of natives employed and armed?
§ MR. BRODRICKNo, Sir.
† See (4)Debates cii., 355.