§ MR DILLONI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether his attention has been directed to the action of the President of the United States in 35 recommending the immediate appropriation of £100,000 for the relief of the sufferers in Martinique, and the despatch of Government vessels, bearing food supplies and other necessaries, and whether the British Government intend to take steps of a similar character.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.I have seen an account of the transaction to which the hon. Gentleman refers, but I never heard of any Vote of the kind being suggested in this Parliament. Everybody feels the extreme gravity of the situation, and the tremendous amount of suffering which has been caused under the most appalling conditions, and every assistance that can be given on the spot by His Majesty's Government will, of course, be given.
§ MR. DILLONWill not the right hon. Gentleman, in view of what the United States Government has done, the suffering of even the British colony, and the appalling and unparalleled character of this disaster, consider the desirability of making a precedent in this case? I am sure the Vote would be obtained unanimously.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI think notice of this Question ought to be given. The matter has been under the consideration of my colleagues, but I cannot make any statement at this moment.
§ MR. DILLONI will give notice of a Question tomorrow.