§ Order for Third Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read the third time."
§ MR. ALFRED DAVIES (Carmarthen Boroughs)said he had just a word to say upon this Bill. He supported the Second Reading of this measure, but since then he had received reliable intelligence to the effect that the three 1468 millions which was voted for the Boers as free grants was being wasted. Money had been given to Boer farmers some weeks ago, and he was informed that they were now actually in a worse condition than they were before. Cattle had been given to them which were diseased, and in consequence many of them had died. He had also been assured by the same authority that nothing had been done to rebuild the many farm-houses which had been burned during the war, and altogether he was told that not only was the money being wasted, but the Boers were being pauperised. He wished to ask whether the Colonial Secretary felt satisfied that the free grant of three millions was being administered for the benefit of the Boers in the best possible way, and he also wanted to know, if the right hon. Gentleman was not satisfied, whether he was going to take any action in the matter.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. RITCHIE, Croydon)It is impossible to say how the money is being spent now. It is being spent under the superintendence of Lord Milner, and the House may rest assured that the money is being expended in the best possible way for the benefit of the Boer population.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Bill read the third time and passed.
§ Mr. SPEAKER,in pursuance of the Order of the House of the 16th October last, adjourned the House without Question put.
§ Adjourned at three minutes after Twelve o'clock.