§ MR. TREVELYAN (Yorkshire, W. R., Elland)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies how soon he expects to publish the promised Return on the mortality in the South African mines.
§ MR. LYTTELTONI telegraphed to Lord Milner inquiring when I may expect the Return, and he informs me that he has not yet received Returns from Rhodesia, but is again communicating with Administrator, and also with Governor, Cape of Good Hope, who were asked to supply information as regards Kimberley direct to me. Lord Milner adds, 758 the Transvaal mines have lately shown very satisfactory decrease in death rate, which was 36 per 1,000 in March, and 32 in April, as compared with 49 and 52 for corresponding months of last year. Lord. Milner further adds, that if it had not been for one unfortunate accident involving 43 deaths, as to which he has sent a report by last mail, the death rate during April would have been only 26 per 1,000 per annum. Notwithstanding this accident, however, April rate is lowest yet recorded on mines; is over 50 per cent, below general average for year 1903, and 38 per cent, lower than rate for corresponding month of 1903. I expect to receive Lord Milner's despatch, with Returns, by the end of this month.