HC Deb 14 June 1904 vol 136 cc16-7
MR. HERBERT SAMUEL

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Minister at Pekin has refused to sanction the form of contract proposed to be signed by coolies recruited in Northern China for the Transvaal mines; if so, on what grounds this action has been taken; and whether any alterations in the form of contract have been made in consequence.

MR. LYTTELTON

There can be no question of His Majesty's Minister at Pekin refusing to sanction the contract which has been settled by the Transvaal Government subject to the instructions and approval of His Majesty's Government, and the information on which the hon. Member's Question is based appears to be founded upon misapprehension.