§ SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)To ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government of Natal have proposed to let native political prisoners to mine-owners and other employers; whether his attention has been called to the declarations on the subject made by Lord Carnarvon when Secretary of State; and if further communications on the matter have passed between His Majesty's Government and the Government of Natal since the assurances given by him to the House.
(Answered by Mr. Churchill.) The Natal Government have introduced a Bill permitting the employment of prisoners sentenced to imprisonment with hard labour for any period exceeding three months by contract between the Government authority and any municipality, or public body, or company, or individual. It does not therefore apply specifically to political prisoners. I have seen the statement of Lord Carnarvon. The Secretary of State is not aware that any assurances have been given that His Majesty's Government would interfere in a matter properly within the control of the Parliament of Natal and of the Ministers responsible thereto.