HC Deb 21 June 1906 vol 159 cc343-4
MR. MOND

To ask the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce in Johannesburg on the 15th June, when the President explained that the Chamber refused to appear before the Commission † See preceding Question. for the control of the Chinese on the ground that the Commissioners had been appointed by the Chamber of Mines; and whether the Government will take steps so that the Commissioners appointed to such Commissions shall have no connection with the mining industry.

(Answered by Mr. Churchill.) I have seen a press telegram of the nature indicated. The Commission in question was appointed by Sir R. Solomon, the Acting Lieutenant-Governor of the Transvaal, and consisted of the resident magistrate of Pretoria, as chairman, the two principal police officials of the Colony, the superintendent of Foreign labour, the Chinese Consul General, and two gentlemen representing the mines, and the Secretary of State sees no reason to object to its composition in view of the terms of reference.