HC Deb 25 February 1904 vol 130 cc976-8
DR. MACNAMARA (Camberwell, N.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the women and children who may accompany Chinese coolies indentured under the Ordinance to work in South Africa, will be under the same proscriptions as to residence in a particular place, and as to leave of absence being granted only for forty-eight hours by special licence, as the coolies themselves; and, if so, whether the women and children will be subject to the same penalties as the coolies themselves for breach of the regulations.

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

The Ordinance contemplates the application of the same conditions and restrictions to a wife or any member of the family of a labourer as far as practicable. The means for carrying out such conditions is a matter for regulations under the Ordinance.

DR. MACNAMARA

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies what will become in South Africa of the children male and female of coolies, indentured under the Ordinance for work in the South African mines, when they reach their sixteenth birthday.

* MR. LYTTELTON

This matter is receiving consideration.

DR. MACNAMARA

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can say when he will be in a position to lay upon the Table the Chinese Labour Ordinance and Regulations in their first complete and operative form.

* MR. LYTTELTON

I am notable to name a date.

DR. MACNAMARA

Will there beany long delay?

* MR. LYTTELTON

No.

MR. HERBERTSAMUEL (Yorkshire Cleveland)

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the regulations will be laid on the Table before any Chinese are recruited?

[No answer was returned.]