HC Deb 22 June 1904 vol 136 cc820-1
MAJOR SEELY (Isle of Wight)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the repeated statements made that the majority of the people of the Transvaal are opposed to the introduction of Chinese indentured labour, and, considering that the peculiar circumstances prevailing in that colony render it impossible to ascertain the opinion of the inhabitants except by a vote by ballot, he will give instructions for a vote by ballot to be taken, first in Johannesburg, and afterwards, if necessary, throughout that colony, in order to fulfil the pledges given by the late Colonial Secretary that such importation should not be sanctioned until it should have been clearly ascertained that a great majority of the white inhabitants were in favour thereof.

MR. LYTTELTON

The repetition of statements which we believe to be inaccurate has not altered the decision of His Majesty's Government, which has been communicated to the House on more than one occasion, I am not, therefore, prepared to give such instructions.

MAJOR SEELY

The Question I have asked has not been answered. The Question I asked was whether they would not settle the matter one way or the other in the only possible way it can be settled.

MR. LYTTELTON

I have said I am not, prepared to give such instructions.