HC Deb 25 May 1908 vol 189 cc766-7
MR. BYLES (Salford, N.)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if Dinizulu's official stipend has been suspended since December last, notwithstanding the refusal of His Majesty's Secretary of State to sanction such suspension; and, if so, whether the Secretary of State proposes to take any action in the matter.

COLONEL SEELY

Dinizulu's salary has been suspended. The Secretary of State is in communication with the Natal Government on the subject.

MR. BYLES

Has the Secretary of State made representations to the Natal Government?

COLONEL SEELY

Yes, Sir; as my hon. friend will see in the Blue-book, a communication to that effect was sent to the Government.

MR. BYLES

Did the Government take no notice of what the Secretary of State said?

COLONEL SEELY

Dinizulu's salary has been suspended.

MR. FLYNN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the preliminary examination has lasted several months, and, in these circumstances, is not the suspension of Dinizulu's salary prejudging the trial?

COLONEL SEELY

It would seem unfortunate; but my hon. friend will understand that it would be obviously inconvenient for me to make a statement now when we are actually in process of communicating with the Natal Government on the subject.