§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, although the King has been advised not to disallow the Labour Importation Ordinance of the Transvaal Legislature, the act of the Governor in giving the Royal Assent to that Ordinance is not final and conclusive; and whether it is competent for the King in Council within two years after the transmission of a copy thereof from the Governor to
† See page 591.1265 the Secretary of State for the Colonies, to disallow the said Ordinance.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI would not venture to give any pronouncement upon the constitutional question which the hon. Gentleman has raised, but there is no precedent for the Crown, having announced that it does not raise any objection to an Ordinance, reversing that decision, nor do I believe that His Majesty would ever be advised to sanction such a reversal.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the expression "not to disallow" is a technical expression frequently used in reference to a modified consent of the Crown to Colonial Acts, and that it means the Crown retains the power to veto the Act at any time within two years.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI do not agree with that.
§ MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)Could not the Government follow the course adopted in Jamaica recently and obtain a majority by putting additional nominated members on the Council?
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order That does not arise out of the Question.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLWhat is the difference between the technical expressions "not disallowed" and "sanctioned?"
§ MR. A. J. BALFOUROn all questions of legal terminology I feel I am perhaps the worst authority in the House. If the hon. Member will address his Question to the law officers ho will get a satisfactory answer.