§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, with reference to his statement that the Colonial Office disapproved of such a practice as that of the stipendiary magistrate in Grenada, who was himself a planter and employer of indentured labour, "Whether the Secretary of State has issued any general rules to Crown Colonies prohibiting stipendiary magistrates, and other officers charged with the protection of Coolies and labourers, from engaging in private occupations which render them interested parties in questions between employers and labourers; and, whether there are any general rules restraining public servants receiving salaries entitling the State to their full powers from engaging in private employments for gain?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYSir, before issuing any general Rules regulating this matter, the Secretary of State has thought well to inquire by Circular as to how many instances of the kind exist, and the circumstances under which the few cases may have arisen. But I do not withdraw anything from what I said the other day—that the Colonial Office strongly disapprove of magistrates being concerned in any way within their districts with the employment of Coolies and labourers. In reply to the second Question, I will read the 76th of the Colonial Regulations, which runs as follows:—
All salaried public officers are prohibited from engaging in trade, or connecting themselves with any commercial undertaking without leave from the Governor, approved by the 1727 Secretary of State. As a general rule this prohibition will he made absolute in the case of officers whose remuneration is fixed on the assumption that their whole time is at the disposal of the Government.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLHas the hon. Gentleman reason to suppose that Rule is realty acted upon?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYYes, Sir; I apprehend it is.