MR. J. M. ROBEETSON (Northumberland, Tyneside)I beg to ask the Under-secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the passing of the Asiatic Registration Ordinance of Southern Rhodesia, where-under respectable British-Indian traders and others over eight years of age are as a class to be compelled to take out certificates of registration for their identi- 86 fication; whether the total Indian population in this vast territory is about 400; and whether he will recommend to the Rhodesian Government the inadvisability of such differential legislation.
§ COLONEL SEELYThe Secretary of State is well aware of the objections which may be urged against the Bill, and he is in communication with the High Commissioner, who has been instructed not to assent pending further consideration, and the Bill is not, therefore, in operation.