HC Deb 19 February 1907 vol 169 cc705-6
MR. SCOTT (Ashton-under-Lyne)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to a published notice of the 12th ultimo to the effect that renewal of trading licences will not be granted to Arab storekeepers after the current year, and that no transfer of such licences will be granted during the same period; whether such Arab storekeepers are really British Indian subjects; and whether, in view of the provisions of the Natal Dealers' Licences Act, the Government will take steps to ensure equal protection of the vested interests of His Majesty's Indian subjects.

THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. CHURCHILL, Manchester, N.W.)

No, Sir, I have not seen such a notice, but will make inquiries on the subject. I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to Questions with regard to the Dealers' Licences Act yesterday.†