HC Deb 04 May 1888 vol 325 cc1359-60
MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Is it true that the following protest from the Chinese Ambassador in London has been forwarded to the Australian Governments:— Chinese Legation, 12th December, 1887. Lew-to-Jen to Lord Salisbury. My Lord,—The Chinese Commissioners who recently visited the Australasian Colonies for the purpose of inquiring into the condition of Chinese subjects residing in these parts of H.B.M. Dominions report that in each of the Colonies they visited a poll tax of £10 is imposed on Chinese subjects from which the subjects of other Powers are exempt. I am also informed that at the present moment a Bill, which passed the House of Assembly of Tasmania in September last, is under the consideration of the Legislative Council of that Colony, having for its object the imposition of a similar tax on all Chinese subjects who may hereafter visit the Island for the purpose of trade: The Imperial Government hopes that, with a view to the elimination of any part of such laws which may be found to be at variance with Treaty obligations and international usage, Her Majesty's Government will be pleased to institute an inquiry into their nature, and how far they are compatible with the increasing growth of the friendly relations which now happily exist between the two countries.—I have, &c., LEW; and, if so, what steps the British Government intend to take in the matter?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)

The passage quoted is a correct extract from a letter received from the Chinese Minister, dated the 12th of last December. The Governors of the Australasian Colonies have been instructed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to furnish Reports on the subject of any exceptional legislation affecting Chinese subjects which is in force in the Colonies under their Government. Her Majesty's Government are awaiting the replies from the Governors of those Colonies. They are fully aware that a strong indisposition has been shown in the Australasian Colonies to admit large numbers of foreigners who would not permanently reside there or contribute to the future stability of the community; and they will anxiously endeavour to procure an arrangement satisfactory to the Colonies and acceptable to the Chinese Government, with whom Her Majesty's Government are in friendly relations.