I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, having regard to the publication of the Command Paper on South African Federation, and the reasons urged in it for the union of the South African Colonies, His Majesty's Government propose to take any action in the matter.

The Papers were published for the information of Parliament. It is for the people and the Government of South Africa to decide when and how any further advance in the direction of federation shall be made.

Do the Government contemplate offering advice or assistance in the matter?

The Government will certainly give any assistance they can, bearing in mind, however, it is for them to follow and not initiate.