§ MR. REES (Montgomery Boroughs)To ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, under Act No. 18 of 1897, the Natal Traders' Licensing Act, a licensing officer appointed by the town council, or other local body, may refuse to grant or continue a trading licence without any appeal except to such town council or other local body; and whether he will take such steps as may under present circumstances be possible, in order to obtaining fair and equal consideration for East Indian British subjects in Natal.
(Answered by Mr. Churchill.) The Act provides as stated. Representations have recently been made as to the effect of the Act, and I am in communication with the Governor of Natal on the subject.