HC Deb 29 June 1904 vol 137 cc15-6
DR. MACNAMARA

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is now in a position to make a statement on the circumstances attending the landing at Durban, under armed surveillance, of Chinese coolies indentured under the Transvaal Ordinance.

MR. LYTTELTON

No, Sir. As I have already intimated, Lord Milner has promised a report by mail.

DR. MACNAMARA

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman, as promised, has requested Lord Milner for a reply by cable to this Question?

MR. LYTTELTON

I do not recollect having promised to ask for a cabled reply. Will the hon. Gentleman quote my words?

DR. MACNAMARA

It was in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Poplar.

* MR. SPEAKER

It is not in order to discuss a Question and Answer given on a previous day.

DR. MACNAMARA

I desire to know whether Lord Milner was requested by cable to send the report as the Colonial Secretary promised on Thursday.

MR. LYTTELTON

I thought the hon. Member was asking whether I applied for a telegraphic reply. I did not ask by cable for a report by mail.