§ MR. J. M. ROBERTSON (Northumberland, Tyneside)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to a recent resolution of the Natal Parliament to the effect that the time had arrived when the Government should take steps effectually to restrict and ultimately abolish Asiatic immigration to Natal, and that all Indians or other Asiatics who may arrive in Natal under indenture from 31st December, 1907, should, after the expiration of their indentures, be repatriated; and whether steps will be taken, by the Government of India to prevent indenturing under such conditions.
§ MR. HOBHOUSEIn order to carry the resolution, if such a resolution has been passed, into effect, it would be necessary for the Natal Government to induce the Government of India to consent to a revision of the terms of the contract with intending emigrants. Should any such application be made, my hon. friend may be sure that the question will be carefully considered. What precise steps ought to be taken needs a good deal of examination.