§ 20 and 21. Sir W. BYLESasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he will lay Papers with regard to the punitive expedition arising out of the murder of Mr. Campbell before the Colonial Office Vote is taken; and (2) whether he is yet in a position to state that no women or children were killed during the punitive expedition in Northern Nigeria arising out of the murder of Mr. Campbell?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)The punitive measures necessitated by the murder of Mr. Campbell involved the use of ninety men, rather more than half a company of native troops, and were completed within Sixteen days. It is an exaggeration to call this an expedition, and I do not consider that the operations—the necessity for which I greatly regret—present any features which necessitate laying the Papers before Parliament. In reply to my hon. Friend's other question, I have nothing to add to my reply of 3rd February. There is nothing in any of the reports received to justify the supposition that any women or children were killed or wounded.
§ Sir W. BYLESAre we to have no means of getting to know about this punitive expedition?
§ Mr. HARCOURTI will, of course, give the hon. Member and any other hon. Members any information for which they wish. I do not think the expedition was of such a character to necessitate the laying of Papers before Parliament. We have no desire to conceal any of the facts.
§ Sir W. BYLESWas not this thing done in oar name, and ought we not to know what happened?