HC Deb 27 July 1908 vol 193 cc874-5
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, having regard to the sensation produced in this country by the method of administration of martial law in Natal, and the grave character of the charges advanced against officials in respect to their conduct towards the natives in carrying out the martial law system, the opinion of the House of Commons will be ascertained before the assent of the Crown is given to any Indemnity Bill passed by the Natal Legislature, and that such assent be not given when the Imperial Parliament is not sitting, and accordingly without opportunity of discussing the situation in Natal to any effective purpose.

COLONEL SEELY

The House will have an opportunity of discussing those questions to-morrow. Assent will not he given before the discussion.