§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)asked the Secretary of State for the 1144 Colonies whether it was true, as stated in a telegram published that morning, that two coolies had escaped from the compound at Johannesburg, were captured at Pretoria, and bought back in custody; was it true that those men had tried to escape only a few hours after they had landed and had been placed in such favourable conditions as the right hon. Gentleman had described in his speeches; also what was the meaning of the word "captured"? It seemed a curious word in connection with indentured labourers.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. LYTTELTON,) Warwick and LeamingtonI have no information on the subject.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLYou ought to have information. [Laughter and cries of "Order."]
§ MR.LYTTELTONNeither do I consider it convenient that I should be asked to express my views about the terms of a telegram of which I have no knowledge.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLWill you telegraph to Lord Milner?
§ MR. LYTTELTONNo, I do not think it necessary.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLThat is just what I wanted you to say.
§ Adjourned at four minutes before Six o'clock till Monday next.