HC Deb 04 July 1907 vol 177 c861
MR. LYTTELTON (St. George's, Hanover Square)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the amount of the obligations incurred by the late Government of the Transvaal to the land settlers in the Colony; and what funds are now at the disposition of the Land Board to meet the same.

MR. CHURCHILL

I cannot at present give the exact figures, but the Secretary of State is in communication with the Governor with regard to them.

MR. LYTTELTON

The right hon. Gentleman stated on a previous occasion that the Government had an obligation of honour towards these settlers. If that is so, is he not able to say what these obligations are?

MR. CHURCHILL

Obligations of honour cannot usually be assessed in pounds, shillings, and pence. The Government have telegraphed to Lord Selborne in the matter to find out exactly, and I do not think a long period of time will elapse before I can give an exact Answer. At present I can only give a more or less general Answer.