HC Deb 15 March 1911 vol 22 cc2218-9
Mr. LESLIE SCOTT

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether he is aware that in the three weeks succeeding the commutation by Lord Gladstone of the death sentence upon the Native convicted of rape upon a white woman at Umtali, in Rhodesia, there were eleven cases of native attacks or assaults upon white women; and if he will say what was the actual average, in the various provinces of the Union of South Africa, of such cases in the period of twelve months before the commutation of the Umtali case?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)

I cannot at present add anything to my reply to a somewhat similar question on 8th March.

Mr. LESLIE SCOTT

asked whether, in view of the public disapprobation of Lord Gladstone's action expressed throughout South Africa in numerous public meetings of protest, both of men and of women and in memorials, and in view of the fact that, by reason of the offence having been committed in Rhodesia and not within the Union of South Africa, Lord Gladstone did not have the advantage of receiving advice from the responsible Ministers of the Union before acting in the matter, he intends to give instructions to Lord Gladstone concerning any future cases of the kind?

Mr. HARCOURT

No, Sir.

Mr. LESLIE SCOTT

Do I understand from that answer that the Colonial Secretary in this country declines all responsibility in regard to the action taken by the High Commissioner in South Africa in cases where he does not have the advantage of the advice from Ministers of the Union because they are outside their jurisdiction?

Mr. HARCOURT

No, Sir. The hon. Member will only understand I said no to the question on the Paper.

Mr. KING

Are His Majesty's Government prepared to give the same measure of fair play and confidence to Lord Gladstone as was always awarded to Gentlemen holding the high position he does?

Mr. HARCOURT

Yes, Sir.