HC Deb 23 July 1908 vol 193 c329
MR. STAVELEY-HILL

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary for the Colonies what is the opportunity which the curator has of influencing natives from Portuguese East Africa to return to Portuguese territory when their period of contract for the Transvaal mines has ended; and whether the Transvaal Government have any intention of introducing legislation to secure the effectiveness of this contractual obligation.

COLONEL SEELY

The curator's action is only advisory. I am not aware of any intended legislation by the Transvaal.

SIR GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)

But are not the mineowners bound by contract to see that the natives return at the end of their contract, and are not the Government in honour bound to see that the contract is carried out?

COLONEL SEELY

I do not think that that is an accurate description of the state of affairs. In point of fact I am told that a great many of the natives do not return.

SIR GILBERT PARKER

But is it not provided for in the contract, and are the Government and the mineowners to be allowed to evade their responsibility?

COLONEL SEELY

If there is such a clause it is not enforced.