§ MR. SUMMERBELLI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that, in the year 1905–6, 1,768 indentured immigrants in Trinidad were committed to prison for breaches of the Immigration Ordinance; that 10s. is paid by the police court to the constable who arrests any deserting immigrant; and, if so, can he state the annual amount of such rewards, and whether such is paid by the planters or the Government.
§ MR. CHURCHILLIt appears from the Trinidad Prisons Reports that the number of indentured immigrants imprisoned in 1905–6 for breaches of the Immigration Ordinance was 1,659; but the number so imprisoned in 1906–7 was 1,758. The Secretary of State 807 s unaware of any arrangement or provision under which the payments indicated by the hon. Member could possibly be made; but if he so wishes, inquiry will be made of the local Government whether there is any foundation for the statement.