§ MR. BLACKTo ask the Secretary; of State for the Colonies whether the I agents or recruiters employed to secure: labourers in China will require licence as well as the importers themselves; what steps, if any, will be taken to ensure that these recruiters are men of 831 British nationality and of good character; and whether they will be adequately penalised if it be found that they are inducing labourers to come from the interior to the port of debarkation through concealment of the nature of the contract, or through misrepresentation or pressure of any kind.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Lyttelton.) The official representing the Transvaal Government at the port of embarkation will grant the licence, to recruit, and will have to be satisfied that the re cruiters are fit and proper persons. He will have the power to cancel the licence, if necessary. Due precautions will be taken to prevent fraud, misrepresentation, and pressure.