§ MR. C. P. SCOTT (Lancashire, Leigh)beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether certain portions of the Transvaal, including the districts of Utrecht, Vryheid, and part of Wakkerstroom, have been taken away from its territory and added to that of Natal; and, if so, by what authority this has been done; and whether the fact of this alteration of boundaries has been communicated to the Boer leader and forms part of the terms to which they are called upon to submit; and what opportunity will be given to Parliament to discuss the matter.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINThe proposed transfer has not yet been carried out, but the necessary legal steps for authorising it are being taken. No special communication has been made to the Boer leaders on the subject, but the matter is now one of common knowledge throughout South Africa. The First Lord of the Treasury has already stated that it is not proposed to ask the House of Commons to come to a formal decision on the subject, but there will be the usual opportunities for discussion upon the Colonial Office Vote.
§ MR. C. P. SCOTTDo I understand that the alteration of boundaries, whenever it 182 takes place, will be made by the exercise of the Crown prerogative, and not by Act of Parliament?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINCertainly not by Act of Parliament.
§ MR. C. P. SCOTTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that so far back as 1883——
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! That is not the Question on the Paper.
§ MR. C. P. SCOTTI will put another Question later.