MR. HERBERT ROBERTS (Denbighshire, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the notification at Pretoria, dated 8th April last, directing that the laws of 1885 and 1886, imposing disqualifications on Indian British subjects as regards residence and trade, shall be enforced; and whether he will state whether any circumstances have arisen to necessitate the revival and enforcement under British rule of the restrictions imposed by the late Boer Government.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.The notice in question enforces the law referred to with due regard to the vested interests of traders and with a provision for the exemption of educated Asiatics from residence in places specially set apart for Asiatics. Lord Milner informs me that it was necessary to take this step pending fresh legislation in view of public feeling, but that the existing law is being carried out in the most lenient manner possible. On the receipt of Lord Milner's despatch, which I am expecting, I shall carefully consider the whole question.