HC Deb 28 July 1913 vol 56 cc28-9
75. Mr. OUTHWAITE

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of Imperial troops now stationed on the Witwatersrand, and the number on the 15th July?

Mr. HARCOURT

The number remains, I believe, the same as when the troops were originally sent up. The maximum I now understand to have been 2,910.

Sir W. BYLES

When are you going to take them all away?

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Will there be any increase in the number of troops on the Rand without the Home Government being informed and their approval being obtained?

Mr. HARCOURT

Oh, yes, Sir, if necessary.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Are we to take it that the cables saying that there are 8,000 or 9,000 troops on the Band are false, and that there has been no increase in recent days?

Mr. HARCOURT

I can only inform the hon. Gentleman that my own figures are correct.

Mr. JOHN WARD

Have any special instructions been given to the commanding officers with regard to the interference in labour disputes by these troops?

Mr. HARCOURT

No, Sir, only that they must obey the law.

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