§ MR. WHITLEY (Halifax)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the estimated cost of the offices and other necessary buildings, including the dep6ts, which are, under the agreement with the Chinese Government, to be erected and fitted up by the British Government for the purpose of carrying on the business of the engagement and shipment of Chinese coolies for the Transvaal gold mines; on what Vote will the money be charged; and will a Supplementary Estimate be introduced for the purpose.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. LYTTELTON,) Warwick and LeamingtonI am not in a position to state the estimated cost. The British Government is responsible to the Chinese Government under the Convention on behalf of the Transvaal or any other colonial Government which may desire to import indentured Chinese labourers; but the charges will be borne in each case by the colonial Government concerned; in this case by the Government of the Transvaal.
§ MR. WHITLEYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it will not be necessary under the Rules of the House that the cost shall appear on the Estimates and that any receipts from the Transvaal Government shall appear as Appropriations in aid.
§ ME. LYTTELTONThat is a question of some difficulty, but I think it is not the case.
§ MR. WHITLEYWill the Union Jack fly over these depots?
§ [No answer was returned.]