HC Deb 13 December 1911 vol 32 cc2348-9
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state whether the treaty of 1905, whereby the Malay States were federated, has been published, and where it can be seen?

Mr. HARCOURT

There was no treaty of 1905. The treaty of 1895, to which my hon. Friend no doubt refers, has not been published officially in this country, but it is printed in the Government Gazette of the Straits Settlements and in several books of reference. I would suggest that my hon. Friend should consult the Hong Kong and China Directory, the Federated Malay States Civil Service List, or Mr. Belfield's Handbook of the Federated Malay States. I will lend him all or any of them.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Is it not desirable that an important treaty of this kind should be published in an official Government publication, and that I should not have to purchase books of that kind or to borrow them?

Mr. HARCOURT

There has been a good deal of publication of this treaty. I will consider in future treaties the feelings of my hon. Friend.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Perhaps he would publish this treaty for the benefit of his Friend.

Mr. HARCOURT

I think that perhaps when my hon. Friend has become acquainted with the details of the treaty he will not desire to have it published.