§ MR. HERBERT SAMUELI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any Ordinance permitting the introduction of Chinese labourers into Rhodesia has been sanctioned; and, if not, whether Parliament will be given an opportunity of discussing any such Ordinance before it is sanctioned.
§ MR. LYTTELTONUnder the Southern Rhodesia Ordinances No. 18 of 1901 and No. 3 of 1902 labourers from China can be, introduced into Rhodesia with the sanction of the Secretary of State. That sanction has not as yet been given. The latter part of the Question should be addressed to the Prime Minister.
§ MR. BAYLEY (Derbyshire, Chesterfield)Will the right hon. Gentleman, before he gives his consent, lay the whole Papers on the Table, so that the House may consider them.
§ MR. LYTTELTONThat Question is involved in the one which I have asked to be put to the First Lord.
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON (Dundee)Has the assent of the Crown been refused?
§ MR. LYTTELTONI do not say that. It has not yet been given.
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONHas it been asked for? Has it been refused?
§ [No answer was returned.]
§ MR. HERBERT SAMUELthen asked if he might have an Answer from the First Lord.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.It seems to me that the Answer is a simple one. I do 457 not understand that any question of principle is raised by the introduction of Asiatic labour into Rhodesia which is not raised in connection with the same policy in the Transvaal. I do not, therefore, think a separate discussion on Rhodesia as distinguished from the Transvaal, is either necessary or desirable.
MR. THOMASSHAW (Hawick Burghs)Will any Papers with regard to the case of Rhodesia be laid before Parliament?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI shall be very glad to consult with my right hon. friend the head of the Department. Obviously I could not answer the Question off-hand.