HC Deb 14 December 1908 vol 198 cc1245-6
MR. BELLOC

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the petition of Mr. Colenso charging the Governor of Natal and two other persons with specific oppressions and abuses, under cover of martial law, since the date of Dinizulu's arrest; and whether the Secretary of State proposes to hold any, and, if any, what, investigation into these charges before advising His Majesty to allow the last Natal Indemnity Act.

THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Colonel SEELY,) Liverpool, Abercromby

Yes, Sir, the Secretary of State has seen the petition referred to. It is not possible for him to hold an inquiry, but the Natal Government has promised to hold an inquiry into the allegations of flogging made by Miss Colenso. Ministers have not felt themselves able, up to the present, to deal with these allegations, but the Secretary of State is still in communication with the Governor regarding them. I would add that the Secretary of State cannot admit the justice of the reflection on Sir Matthew Nathan made in the petition referred to.

MR. KEIR HARDIE (Merthyr Tydvil)

Will the Government be represented at the inquiry?

COLONEL SEELY

No, that would be quite irregular; but the inquiry will no doubt shortly be held.

MR. MACKARNESS

Was not this matter brought under the notice of the Natal Government so long ago as August last?

COLONEL SEELY

It was a long time ago.