§ MR. L. HASLAM (Monmouth Boroughs)To ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, with reference to the gradual diminution in the numbers of natives employed during recent months in the South African gold mines, whether there is any difference in the amount of daily wages paid for similar work to the native from the amount paid to the Chinaman; if so, what is the approximate amount paid to the native and to the Chinaman; and if the Chinese are practically compelled to buy what they require from stores under the control of the mine owners at prices fixed by them.
(Answered by Mr. Churchill.) The information at the disposal of the Secretary of State does not enable him to make an exact comparison between the daily wages paid to the Chinaman and the Kaffir for all the different classes of work, but from the figures published at page 118 of Cd. 2819 it appears that the average monthly wages for 1905 were for the native £2 11s. 9d., for the Chinaman £1 17s. 7d., respectively. Some explanation of this difference is given at page 115 of Cd. 2819. In regard to the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to a statement printed at page 3 of Cd. 1986, according to which the prices at the stores on the mines were reasonable, and kept down by competition.