HC Deb 01 July 1908 vol 191 c753
MR. MITCHELL-THOMSON (Lanarkshire, N.W.)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the death-rate per 1,000 during the first five months of 1908 among the Chinese, all natives and natives from north of 22° south latitude, respectively, who were employed in the Transvaal mines.

THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Colonel SEELY,) Liverpool, Abercromby

We are not in possession of later figures than those contained in the recent Parliamentary Paper, Cd. 4120.

MR. MITCHELL-THOMSON

Will the hon. Gentleman apply for the information?

COLONEL SEELY

I do not think we can do that. The Transvaal Government have assured us that they are taking every step possible to reduce the mortality, and seeing that the results of their action are eminently satisfactory, I think it would be an unwarrantable interference with a self-governing Colony to take such action as is proposed by the hon. Member.