§ 42. Mr. ANEURIN WILLIAMSasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether certain native delegates from South Africa were on the 29th September removed by force or threats from the steamship "Edinburgh Castle" at Southampton; if so, what were the reasons for this removal; and whether any redress is to be given to the gentlemen in question?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Colonel Amery)It is, I regret to say, the case that three members of the South African Native Deputation and another South African native were prevented from sailing in the "Edinburgh Castle." This unfortunate occurrence was due to the dissatisfaction caused among the troops and other pas- 869 sengers on board by the fact that the four natives in question had been provided with third-class berths while the whole of the rest of the third-class accommodation was taken up by women and children and the troops on board had only hammocks. I understand that the steamship company has disclaimed liability.