§ MR. O'DOWD (Sligo, S.)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a system of slavery at present prevails amongst the Indians in British Northern Columbia; whether, under such system, girls, even white girls, are now being sold and have been sold for years in British Columbia to the highest bidders; and, if so, will he say what steps the Government intend to take in order to abolish slavery in this portion of His Majesty's dominions.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe Secretary of State's attention has been drawn to Press reports as to the sale of Indian girls in British Columbia to which the hon. Member refers, and he is confident that 177 the Dominion Government will take any steps that are necessary in the matter.
§ SIR GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)thought it should be made clear that the term "white girls" referred to in the Question meant Indians very white in colour.
§ MR. J. WARDWhat difference does that make?