§ MR. LABOUCHERETo ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Rand Native Labour Association has sent persons to China to inquire into possibilities of procuring Chinese to work in the Transvaal mines under contract; and whether the House will have an opportunity to express an opinion as to such importations being permitted before they are allowed by Lord Milner.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Chamberlain.) I am aware of the fact stated in the first part of the Question. There is, of course, nothing to prevent the House from discussing the question, but, in my opinion, such discussion at the present time would be entirely premature.