HC Deb 14 July 1913 vol 55 cc879-80
46. Mr. WEDGWOOD

asked what steps, if any, the Government propose to take to inquire into the use of British troops on the Rand and their action there?

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

As I have already informed the House, I am expecting a full Report from Lord Gladstone on the occurrences on the Rand.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Why should British troops be used for shooting miners on the Rand for making speeches less inflammatory than those which have been made in Belfast by Privy Councillors?

47. Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked the Prime Minister whether he will grant time for a discussion of the Motion with reference to the action of Lord Gladstone in authorising the use of British troops in South Africa standing in the name of the hon. Member for Merthyr?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am not prepared to give facilities for the discussion of this Motion from the time at the disposal of the Government.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Is no attention to be paid to the resolutions which have been passed in South Africa and in this country protesting against the action of Lord Gladstone, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that unless time is given for some form of Motion the question cannot be discussed in this House, which means the burking of what has taken place?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is not the case at all. There will be several opportunities for discussing it.

Mr OUTHWAITE

When will the opportunities occur?

The PRIME MINISTER

Possibly on the Colonial Office Vote, but certainly on the Appropriation Bill.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

On the Colonial Office Vote we cannot discuss the action of Lord Gladstone, which is the point at issue.

The PRIME MINISTER

Until I get a further and fuller indication that it is the general desire of Members to discuss the matter, I am not disposed to give time.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Are we to understand that the minority are not entitled to discuss the matter?

The PRIME MINISTER

There will be ample opportunity on the Appropriation Bill.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on two occasions Mr. Speaker refused leave for a Motion for the Adjournment of the House in order to discuss this matter, and on each occasion said that the proper method of procedure was to move a Vote of Censure on Lord Gladstone?

The PRIME MINISTER

I must have notice of that.