HC Deb 20 May 1908 vol 189 cc304-5
MR. HERBERT (Buckinghamshire, Wycombe)

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the fact that there is no precedent for an Act of Indemnity in the circumstances prevailing in Natal and to the importance of the constitutional questions involved, he will afford Parliament an opportunity of discussing the matter before any Act of Indemnity passed by the Legislature of Natal is assented to.

SIR GILBERT PARKER

asked whether, in view of the appeal of the late Under-Secretary for the Colonies that Questions should not be asked which would produce irritation ["Oh, Oh"] in the minds of those Colonies enjoying responsible self-government, the right hon. Gentleman would use his influence with the followers of the Government not to ask Questions such as this, which were likely to be resented.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

asked whether, having regard to the correspondence published between the Imperial Government and the Government of Natal, in which strong condemnation of the conduct of the Government of Natal was expressed by the Imperial Government, the House would have an opportunity of supporting the Government.

THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. As QUITH,) Fifeshire, E.

I will confine myself to answering the Question on the Paper. My hon. friend is aware that the passing of an Act of Indemnity may be the most effective way of putting an end to the continuance of martial law. No Bill of the kind can, I understand, be introduced into the Natal Legislature before June, and I will see that on an early Supply day, the Colonial Vote is put down, and an opportunity given for discussion.

MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

Will the Report of the Commission on Natal Affairs be carefully considered by the Colonial Office?

MR. ASQUITH

It has been considered.