§ *SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can inform the House of the nature of the Conference of the South African Colonies on Native Labour, and how the Transvaal and Orange River Colonies and the Protectorates are represented.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN, Birmingham, W.)The Conference was summoned primarily to discuss Customs questions, but it was agreed between all parties before the meeting that the native question and the question of alien immigra- 1224 tion should be discussed at the same time. Other matters of general South African interest may be also included, but only if all parties to the Conference have agreed. The Cape, Natal, Transvaal, Orange River Colony and Rhodesia are each represented by five Members nominated by their respective Governments. The Transvaal and Orange River Colony have each nominated two official and three unofficial Members. The Protectorates may be regarded as represented by the fact that the High Commissioner is in the Chair.
§ *MR. HERBERT SAMUEL (Yorkshire, N.R., Cleveland)Can the right lion. Gentleman say when the Conference is likely to report?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINNo.