§ MR. MACKARNESS (Berkshire, Newbury)To ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of Lord Selborne's statements contained in Blue-book Cd. 2819, that the withdrawal of Chinese labour would cause unfavourable results to the financial and commercial interests of the Transvaal, he can say to what extent, during the year, after the advent of the Chinese labourers, there was an increase or a decrease in the total revenue of the Colony as compared with the two years preceding their advent.
(Answered by Mr. Churchill.) The Chinese labourers began to arrive in June, 1904. The Transvaal revenue for the year 30th June, 1904, to 30th June, 1905, was £4,405,438. For the two previous years it was £4,683,205 for 1902–3, and £4,423,211 for 1903–4.