§ Mr. REMNANTasked the Secretary for the Colonies whether the Colonial Office has been authorised to put forward proposals for the annexation of the independent State of Sarawak to the British Crown; and, if not, whether he is prepared to declare the policy of His Majesty's Government in reference to the maintenance of the independent status of Sarawak as regards internal affairs?
Mr. HARCOURTThere is not the slightest foundation for the suggestion in the first part of the question. His Majesty's Government have no intention of departing from the policy indicated by the terms of the Agreement of Protection concluded in 1888.