MR. GIBSON BOWLESI beg to ask the Postmaster General, as representing the Secretary of State for the Colonies, does the Crown Colony of British Guiana contribute one-third of the expense of immigration into that colony of Indian coolies for work on sugar plantations, and does His Majesty's Government guarantee to the Indian Government the payment of wages to, and of return passages to India for, such coolies: do such contributions or guarantees constitute a direct or indirect bounty on the production or exportation of sugar; and have His Majesty's Government received any communications on the subject from the authorities of the colony.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINAt present the Government of British Guiana contribute one-third of the expense of coolie immigration into the colony. No such guarantee as that suggested has been given by His Majesty's Government. In answer to the third part of the Question it is not usual to make an official statement as to the interpretation of a particular clause of a Convention until circumstances have arisen which require such a statement. In answer to the fourth part, the incidence of the cost of immigration is the subject of correspondence now proceeding with the Governor.
† See (4) Debates, cxiii., 1068.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe Colonial Office is part of the Government, and I understand that no guarantee has been given on behalf of the Government.