MR. HERBERT (Buckinghamshire, Wycombe)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies-whether there is any precedent for the Government of a Colony, as in the case of the Government of Natal to-day, proclaiming and persisting in maintaining martial law against the advice of the Governor of the Colony.
§ MR. CHURCHILLNo, Sir, I do-not know of any precedent.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)asked whether it would be within the competence of the Governor, on advice, to refuse assent to the Indemnity Bill and to give that intimation in quarters-where it would be appreciated?
§ MR. CHURCHILLsaid that the Indemnity Bill was first passed by the Natal Parliament, and then it was reserved to receive the assent of the Secretary of State.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLThe Governor will not immediately give his assent, but reserve it for the Cabinet?
§ MR. CHURCHILLAccording to constitutional practice an Indemnity Bill is always reserved.