HC Deb 30 October 1912 vol 43 cc473-4
Mr. CHARLES ROBERTS

brought up mid read the following special Report from the Select Committee:—

The Select Committee appointed to inquire whether any responsibility rests upon the British directors of the Peruvian Amazon Company in respect of the atrocities in the Putumayo District, and whether any changes in the law are desirable to prevent the machinery of the Companies Acts being used in connection with similar practices in foreign countries: That they have come to the following Resolutions, which they have agreed to report to the House:—

  1. (i.) That the Committee propose retaining the conduct of the inquiry referred to them entirely in their own hands, but will accept the assistance of counsel (if the leave of the House he obtained) when they think it necessary;
  2. (ii.) That application be made for an Order of the House that this Committee have leave to hear counsel to such an extent as they shall see fit;
  3. (iii.) That any persons or body deeming themselves interested who wish to appear by counsel shall make application in writing to the Clerk, stating the grounds upon which they desire to appear;
  4. (iv.) That the Committee wish it to be known that they are prepared to consider evidence bearing on the subject of the Inquiry, and invite any person in possession of such evidence to communicate with the Clerk.
Report to lie upon the Table, and to be printed. [No. 354.]

Mr. CHARLES ROBERTS

In pursuance of that Report, I beg to move, "That the Select Committee on Putumayo have leave to hear counsel to such extent as they shall sec fit."

Sir CLEMENT HILL

I beg leave to-second the Motion.

Question put, and agreed to.