HC Deb 30 July 1897 vol 51 cc1599-600
MR. H. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he is aware that the Chartered Company of South Africa has published and sent to certain Members of this House the Report of Sir Richard Martin, together with the reply of the Company disputing the accuracy of that Report; (2) whether the Company had obtained his consent to this publication before the Report of Sir Richard Martin had been communicated by the Colonial Office to the House; (3) whether Sir Richard Martin had been invited to reply to the strictures of the Company on his Report; and, if so, whether that reply, as soon as received, will be communicated to this House; and (4) whether he is in a position to inform the House that in any settlement of the future Government of Rhodesia no form of compulsory labour will be permitted, and that such decision will be communicated to the natives?

MR. CHAMBERLAIN

The answer to the first two Questions is in the negative. I have already, on the 22nd inst., laid these Papers on the Table. The observations of the Company will, of course, be communicated to Sir Richard Martin. The labour regulations will be the subject of careful consideration, but I am unable at present to make any definite statement regarding them?

MR. LABOUCHERE

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman could make a statement to the effect that compulsory labour would not be allowed in Rhodesia?

MR. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir. cannot make any statement in answer to a Question.