§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, &c.)asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, What is now the position of the question of Chinese immigration into Australia; whether it is true, as stated in the newspapers, that a Queensland Act on that subject has been reserved for Her Majesty's pleasure; whether any of the Acts of the other Colonies on the same subject have been so reserved, or whether they have been brought into operation; whether Her Majesty's Government have yet ascertained if these Acts are consonant to or conflict with the rights or claims of the Chinese as a friendly Treaty Power; and, whether the matter has been settled in communication with the Chinese Government?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Baron HENRY DE WORMS) (Liverpool, East Toxteth)Negotiations, with a view to the settlement of a Treaty in regard to Chinese immigration, are still in progress with the Chinese Government. The Secretary of State has been informed by a telegram from the Acting Governor of Queensland that such an Act has been reserved. The Legislatures of New South Wales and New Zealand have also passed Acts for restricting the immigration of Chinese; and these Acts, not having been reserved, have come into operation. These Acts have been left in operation, as appearing to Her Majesty's Government not to be in conflict with any Treaty rights or claims. As indicated in what I have already said, the question is not yet settled with the Chinese Government. I may refer the hon. Member to the despatch to Sir John Walsham printed at page 49 (C. 5,448).