§ MR. A. M'ARTHUR (Leicester)asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether he has any reason to believe that Hong Kong is being used for the despatch of Chinese labourers to America, or other parts, with a view to their ultimate re-shipment to Panama; and, if he has no information on the subject, will he make inquiries, in order to ascertain whether the Chinese coolie trade has been revived in this or any other form?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir HENRY HOLLAND) (Hampstead)Chinese labourers emigrate from Hong Kong to America and British Columbia; but I do not know whether they ultimately find their way to Panama, Her Majesty's Government have consented to permit the free emigration of Chinese labourers from Hong Kong to Panama, not under contract, if the Chinese Government, to whom the application will have to be made, approve the emigration and the conditions proposed by the Panama Canal Company for the protection of the emigrants. The shipment would take place in British ships; and the requirements of the law relating to such emigration will have to be duly complied with. The approval of the Chinese Government has not as yet been I given.