§ MR. E. W. BECKETT (York, N.E., Whitby)asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether any steps have been taken by Her Majesty's Government to open negotiations with the Emperor of China respecting the prevention of Chinese immigration into the Australasian Colonies, with a view to concluding a Treaty which shall meet the legitimate demands of our Colonies on the one hand, and on the other shall secure the subjects of the Emperor of China from any danger of such unjust and arbitrary treatment as might tend to disturb the friendly relations between Great Britain and China?
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON)(who replied) (Manchester, N.E.)said: Negotiations with the Government of China on this subject are being considered in a friendly spirit, with a view to an arrangement which will satisfy the objects referred to in my hon. Friend's Question.