§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there are any, and, if so, how many, Boer prisoners of war in Ceylon; and what is the intention of the Government with reference to the return of these men to their homes in South Africa.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.I understand that there are at present six prisoners of war in Ceylon. They will not be allowed to return to the Transvaal or Orange River Colony unless they take the oath or make the declaration of allegiance to His Majesty.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLAre these men actually detained in prison, or are they allowed personal liberty in Ceylon?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI should say a qualified liberty.