§ DR. MACNAMARAI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he can state when and how His Majesty's Government propose to give practical effect to the reply of the Colonial Secretary, on 20th May, to the Resolutions against Chinese labour of both branches of the Federal Legislature of the Commonwealth of Australia, namely, that His Majesty's Government adhere to the policy of treating the Transvaal as a self-governing colony so far as its internal affairs are concerned where Imperial interests are not involved.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR, Manchester, E.)The policy to which the hon. Gentleman refers has 1490 been adhered to in the past and is being adhered to at the present.
§ DR. MACNAMARADo I understand that the Transvaal is at the present time a self-governing colony?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNo, Sir; that has never been asserted by the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
§ DR. MACNAMARAWill the right hon. Gentleman look at the despatch of 20th May, where the Colonial Secretary specifically makes that statement?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURA self-governing colony? I think the hon. Gentleman is mistaken.
§ DR. MACNAMARAI would ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to the despatch of 20th May, in which the Colonial Secretary says, "His Majesty's Government adhere to the policy of treating the Transvaal as; a self-governing colony."
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURFrom that sentence it is clear that it is not a self-governing colony.
§ MR. MARKHAMWill the Prime Minister wire to the Government of Australia to send to this House—
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! That does not arise on this Question.
§ MR. MARKHAMI think, Sir, you will see that it does, if you allow me to finish the Question.
§ MR. SPEAKERI am quite sure that it does not.