§ Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDasked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether he has any information as to the sources from which the money necessary for the defence of Dinizulu was found, particularly whether the bulk of the expenses was provided by Miss Colenso from her private fortune; and, if so, in view of the responsibilities of the Crown to see that justice was done to Dinizulu, whether the Government proposes to recoup Miss Colenso for the money she had spent?
§ Colonel SEELYThe Secretary of State has been informed that Miss Colenso contributed considerable sums to the expenses of the defence of Dinizulu. While he fully sympathises with the motives by which Miss Colenso was actuated, he does not feel that it is possible for His Majesty's Government to act in the manner suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDMay I ask whether it was not understood that the Government were to provide Dinizulu with the means of making a proper defence?
§ Colonel SEELYWe stated in this House that it was always our intention that we would see, as far as it was possible for the Government to see, that our obligations were fulfilled in the sense that the defence of Dinizulu should not lack for want of funds, and His Majesty's Government took steps so that that should not happen. Much as we appreciate the motives of Miss Colenso, I cannot recommend the Secretary of State to take such steps as those suggested in the question.
§ Mr. W. MOOREWill the hon. Gentleman consider the propriety of obtaining a grant from the United Irish League Fund for Miss Colenso?
§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDIs it not a fact that the defence had practically broken before Miss Colenso came to the assistance of Dinizulu?
§ Colonel SEELYOh, no. At no moment, we are informed, did the defence in any sense break down. It is quite true that Miss Colenso, no doubt, assisted greatly to the defence of Dinizulu.
§ Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDAre we not right in assuming that the statement of the Government amounted to a promise that the trial should not break down for lack of funds? That being so, is it fair that the Government should allow this lady to bear the cost of the defence?
§ Colonel SEELYThe matter can be put in various ways, but I can find no precedent for recouping the lady for what she has spent, and I am afraid I cannot recommend the Secretary of State to pay in this way a private individual.
§ Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether——
§ Mr. SPEAKERMay I remind the hon. Member that there are eighty-eight Questions on the Paper.