MR. DUNCAN SCHWANNI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the number of desertions of Chinese coolies for the months of August, September, and October of this, year.
§ MR. CHURCHILLIn August the number of convictions of Chinese coolies for desertion was thirty-four, and, in addition, sixty were convicted for refusal to work, and 682 for unlawful absence from work. The Returns for September and October have not been received.