§ SIR JAMES HASLETT (Belfast, N.)To ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the loss to British shareholders in the four British banks in Pretoria by reason of the commandeering of gold by the then South African Government in 1900 to the amount of £255,000, he will reconsider his decision in the: matter.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Lyttelton.) My predecessor considered this question on two separate occasions and decided against the claim of the banks. I have again thoroughly gone into the matter, and, while greatly regretting the loss sustained, have been unable to come to. any different conclusion.