HC Deb 28 July 1906 vol 162 cc212-3
MR. T. L. CORBETT (Down, N.)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State -for the Colonies whether he is in a position to lay further Correspondence' upon the Table between the Government and the Governor of Malta with reference-to the case of the Rev. John M'Neill.

MR. CHURCHILL

No, Sir; not at present.

MR. T. L. CORBETT

Are we not to have these Papers before the Colonial Vote is taken? Are we to be kept in the dark?

MR. CHURCHILL

explained that already one set of Papers had been laid, and that the correspondence still in progress must be completed before the Secretary of State could, on a complete survey of it, decide what, if any, could; be published.

MR. T. L. CORBETT

asked whether the letter from the Government to the Governor of Malta would be laid on the Table. The right hon. Gentleman had carefully evaded—[Cries of "Order."]

*MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Member has got a very fair Answer.

MR. T. L. CORBETT

asked again whether the letter to the Governor of Malta would be laid on the Table.

*MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of the Question.

MR. T. L. CORBETT

For Monday, Sir?

MR. NIELD (Middlesex, Ealing)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give an approximate date when it will be possible to lay upon the Table of the House the Return moved for in February last, and ordered to be made as to the countries within the Empire where coolie labour is employed, and the conditions regulating the same, and also regulating the housing of such coolies.

MR. CHURCHILL

It is hoped that it may be found possible to complete the Return during the course of the Autumn session; but we are, of course, entirely dependent on the replies from the Colonies, several of which have not yet reached us.