§ MR. MACKARNESSI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of. State for the Colonies whether, in view of the demand made upon the services of Imperial troops by the continuance of the strike on the Band, and the danger both of diminishing the white population and reviving racial animosities, His Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of using their friendly offices with the Transvaal Government for the purpose of bringing about a termination of the strike by arbitration, or such other 1167 method as may commend itself to that Government.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe Secretary of State fully sympathises with the desire of the hon. and learned Member to put an end to this unhappy commercial conflict, with its grave and destructive influences. But all the information at our disposal goes to show that the Government of the Transvaal is quite alive to the difficulties of the situation, and is in close touch with both sides in the dispute.
§ MR. MACKARNESSasked as to the position of the strike now?
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe information we have received from South Africa is very full, but it does not reach us, now that responsible Government is established, until it is settled in the form of minutes or despatches from the Lieutenant-Governor. We have not had any later telegraphic communication.
§ MR. HAROLD COX (Preston)asked how long it was intended the troops should remain there doing police duty.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThat raises a considerable matter of policy which I cannot answer.
§ MR. MACKARNESSHave the Imperial Government named any date beyond which the Imperial troops will not be required.
§ MR. CHURCHILLNot at present.