HC Deb 11 February 1904 vol 129 cc1021-2
MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON (Dundee)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, with reference to the Transvaal Labour Ordinance, if he can explain why the provision requiring the assent of the labourer to any assignment of the importer's rights has been withdrawn, whether the effect of the Ordinance as amended is that the rights to the services of the labourer may be assigned without his consent; and whether he proposes to ask the approval of Parliament to this part of the proposed legislation.

* THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. LYTTELTON,) Warwick and Leamington

Under Section 11 of the Ordinance, transfers can only be made with the sanction of the Lieutenant-Governor and under regulations to be made by him, and due notice of transfers is to be given to the Superintendent of Labourers. It appears to me that these provisions enable the Lieutenant-Governor to take any steps which circumstances may render necessary in regard to the assent of the labourer to any proposed transfer. I do not propose to ask the approval of Parliament to this colonial legislation. The disallowance of such legislation is vested in the Crown acting on the advice of the Secretary of State, and if, after the discussion on the general question of the introduction of Asiatic labour, I should feel it my duty to advise His Majesty not to exercise his power of disallowance, Parliament will have the usual opportunities of criticising my action.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

asked whether the regulations to be made would contain a provision requiring the assent of the labourer to his being transferred?

* MR. LYTTELTON

I cannot answer that at present.

DR. MACNAMARA

Under the Ordinance as it now stands, is the assent of the labourer necessary for his transfer to a new employer?

* MR. LYTTELTON

I have answered that Question.

MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

Would it be possible under the Ordinance for the right of transfer of these Asiatic labourers to be put up to public auction?

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order. The Ordinance cannot be debated on this Question.