§ SIR JOHN GORST (Cambridge University)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the latest date in 1904 at which natives from British Central Africa have been brought into the Transvaal to work in the mines; whether any period has been specifically fixed during the Transvaal winter by either the British or Transvaal Government within which the introduction of British South African natives into the Transvaal will in future years be prohibited; and whether a separate account will be kept and laid before Parliament of the mortality amongst British South African natives employed in the Transvaal mines.
§ MR. LYTTELTONI understand that none have so far been introduced in 1904. Their arrival is not to take place until August, as the right hon. Member will see on reference to page 35 of Cd. 1950. The local authorities are all agreed that these natives should not in future be brought to the Rand in winter. A separate account will be kept and published. The mortality up to the present is shown by the statements on page 33 of Cd. 1950 and page 153 of Cd. 2025. The mortality of the first six weeks among these natives was altogether exceptional.