§ MR. HUNTI beg to ask the Under-secretary of State for the Colonies if it is proposed that a large voluntary force should be organised in the Transvaal; whether this suggestion comprises the raising of a Volunteer Force of artillery; whether the Transvaal Government have ordered, or propose to order, any reduction to be effected in the cost of the present Volunteer Forces of that Colony; and whether the Transvaal Government have given, or propose to give, instructions that any reduction 666 should be made in the South African Constabulary in the Transvaal.
§ MR. CHURCHILLWhile the Imperial troops in South Africa are maintained at their present strength it is obvious that no large Volunteer Force equipped, as the hon. Member suggests, with artillery, is needed for the maintenance of peace and order; and it is not proposed that any such force should be organised. In regard to the second part of the Question of the hon. Member, I must refer him to the Answer given by me to the hon. Member for Preston on 3rd June † and in regard to the last part of the Question, the Transvaal Government have not, so far as I am aware, as yet given any instructions for reductions in the Constabulary.
§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY (St Andrews Burghs)Is it the intention to allow the Boer Government to have artillery?
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe Question is couched in unfortunate language, and it has already been answered. If further information is required, the hon. and gallant Member will best consult public interests by giving notice of the Question.