HC Deb 10 April 1907 vol 172 cc211-2
*MR. REES (Montgomery Boroughs)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any natives of the British Central Africa Protectorate have been recruited for the Transvaal mines since the departure of those mentioned in the Commissioners Report for 1905–6; and whether such recruiting is still permissible and proceeding.

THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. CHURCHILL, Manchester, N. W.)

Five hundred natives of the British Central Africa Protectorate were recruited for the Premier Diamond Mine during the last recruiting season which ended on the 31st of December; the next season for recruiting commences on the 1st of July; the question whether further recruiting will then be permitted is under the consideration of the Secretary of State.

*MR. REES

Has any occasion arisen for the exercise of the Under-Secretary's promised kind offices on behalf of the Protectorate in connection with the Anglo-Portuguese Labour Convention?

MR. CHURCHILL

I must ask for notice of that Question.