HC Deb 14 March 1905 vol 142 cc1373-4
DR. MACNAMARA

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, having regard to the fact that the minimum wage of the Chinese coolie is at the rate of one shilling a day, he proposes to take any steps to carry out the pledge he gave the House on June 22 nd, † 1904, to the effect that the minimum wage of the Chinese coolie would be, increased from thirty shillings to forty-five shillings a month after the first six months, if it should appear that the Chinese coolie was in any way undercutting the Kaffir labourer in the mines.

MR. LYTTELTON

I would refer the hon. Member to the provision in the contract for an increase in the minimum † See page 182. See (4) Debates, cxxxvi., 821. wage from thirty shillings to forty-five shillings after six months in certain circumstances, which he will find at page 10 of Cd. 2183.

DR. MACNAMARA

Is it proposed to take any steps in connection with this pledge?

MR. LYTTELTON

I keep myself constantly informed on the matter.