§ MR. ALDEN (Middlesex, Tottenham)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the number of 507 outrages committed by Chinese coolies during the months of March, April, May, and June; and how many Chinese coolies are at present in prison in the Transvaal as a result of crimes, outrages, and other breaches of the Law.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe following are the returns of convictions for March, April and May:—
The returns for June are not yet available. The number of Chinese coolies in prison on May 31st was 1,311.
March. April. May. Common assault 55 73 48 Assault with intent 12 6 4 Murder 0 17 6 Housebreaking by day 8 27 20 Housebreaking by night 1 22 1 76 145 79
§ SIR GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)asked whether the Government had published a Return of the outrages committed by natives during the present year.
§ MR. CHURCHILLNo, Sir. I do not think the figures are available with anything like the same degree of accuracy in regard to the natives. These returns involve great expense and trouble. We endeavour to supply Returns for the information of this House when the House calls for them. There is a considerable proportion of crime among the Kaffir population.
§ SIR GILBERT PARKERWill the hon. Gentleman lay the information before the House?
§ MR. CHURCHILLIf the hon. Gentleman desires to have a Return he is fully acquainted with the proper procedure.
§ MR. TREVELYAN (Yorkshire, W.R., Elland)Has the Government any information of any other working population one-fiftieth of whom are in gaol?
§ MR. CHURCHILLI must ask for notice of that Question.