HC Deb 19 April 1901 vol 92 cc776-7
MR. HAVILAND-BURKE (King's County, Tullamore)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the resolution passed by the Buluwayo Chamber of Mines affirming the principle of the introduction of Chinese labour, but under Government restrictions with regard to the return of the labourers to China; and whether His Majesty's Government will exert its influence to prevent the introduction of Chinese cheap labour into any part of His Majesty's dominions.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.

I have seen a statement to this effect in the newspapers. I am not prepared to give any pledge, as Chinese labour is already employed in several of I His Majesty's colonies.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very heavy poll tax has been placed upon Chinese labourers in many of our colonies, and will the right hon. Gentleman countenance such a tax in Rhodesia?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

No. I am not aware of that.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Is not a high sum demanded for every China man landed in New South Wales?

* MR. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

I will give notice of the question.