§ MR. BELLOC (Salford, S.)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies with regard to the five men who were recently flogged in Natal, whether he can furnish the House with the dates upon which these punishments were inflicted, the places in which they were inflicted, the names of those who passed the sentences, and of all those present by official authority at the execution of the same.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe Governor of Natal has telegraphed as follows—"The floggings all took place at Nongoma, the first on 10th December, the others between 12th December and 20th December. Sentences passed by McKenzie and the floggings were administered by the gaoler, Nongoma prison. No further floggings have taken place, but it has been reported that a native was assaulted in the Babanango district by a trooper, and an inquiry on the matter is being held." I have no further information on this particular point, but meanwhile I am glad to be able to add that the Governor has stated that during his tour in Zululand the native; chiefs and others who have come to see him and were able to speak freely with him, have made no reference to any harsh treatment under martial law. I should like to add that the Governor of 1017 Natal has informed the Government that he has just signed a warrant for the release of 1,587 men who were imprisoned for participation in the 1906 rebellion. This step has been taken by the desire and on the initiation of the Natal Government.