HC Deb 25 February 1904 vol 130 c979
MR. SYDNEY BUXTON (Tower Hamlets, Poplar)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the regulations to be promulgated under the Transvaal Labour Ordinance will provide for a fixed maximum number of days labour in the year, and for a fixed maximum number of hours of work per day for each indentured labourer; and whether they will set out the rates of wages to be paid.

* MR. LYTTELTON

I am communicating with Lord Milner on the subjects in the hon. Member's Question. The mining regulations already in force strictly limit Sunday labour. In addition to the British officer appointed by Government to supervise the emigration from China the Chinese Government propose to appoint a Chinese Protector of Emigrants whose duty, among other things, will be to safeguard the interests of Chinese subjects in regard to wages and all other incidents of his contract.

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

May I ask whether there is any Labour Ordinance in force in any other British colony in which the limitation of hours and the question of wages is not specifically stated in the Ordinance itself?

* MR. LYTTELTON

I must have notice of that Question. There are more than 150 Ordinances.