HC Deb 18 May 1904 vol 135 cc175-6
MR. HERBERT SAMUEL

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is now able to say what are the wages which the Chinese labourers are to receive in the Transvaal; and what are the wages now paid to Kaffirs for underground labour in the mines.

*MR. LYTTELTON

The Chinese labourers will be either employed on piece work and will be able to earn about 50s. or more, the best workers should earn 60s; those not employed in piece work will receive wages according to the schedule at page 151 of Cd. 2025. If the average pay of those in the service of any employer does not equal 50s. for thirty working days within six months, the minimum rate will be increased from 1s. to 1s. 6d. per working day of ten hours. I understand from the above schedule that the present pay of Kaffirs for underground labour varies from Is. 2d. to 2s. 6d. a day.

MR. MARKHAM (Nottinghamshire, Mansfield)

May I ask why, in view of the right hon. Gentleman's statement that the pay will be 2s. a day, the minimum wage is reduced to 30s., and why the minimum rate of 50s. for the Kaffirs has not been insisted upon for the Chinese labourers?

*MR. LYTTELTON

It is not correct to say that the minimum rate for the Kaffirs is 50s. It is very much less. It is a little over 30s. a month. A long time would be needed to explain the exact reasons for keeping the minimum wage at the figure now stated, but Papers will be laid on the Table of the House to-morrow. The definite position I have endeavoured to uphold in the course of the discussion with Lord Milner is that the introduction of Chinese labour shall not be permitted in any way to undercut the Kaffir wages. I think that the hon. Member will see from the Papers that this object has been achieved.

MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)

Are any banking arrangements being made for these poor men?

MR. WHITLEY (Halifax)

Are the Chinamen to work thirty days per month?

*MR. LYTTELTON

That is certainly not the case.

MR. JAMES O'CONNOR (Wicklow, W.)

Are they to work on Sundays?

*MR. LYTTELTON

No, Sir.

MAJOR SEELY (Isle of Wight)

Is it not the fact that the minimum wage of Chinese labourers has now been reduced.

*MR. LYTTELTON

No.