§ MR. SUMMERBELL (Sunderland)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can state the number of indentured coolies introduced into Trinidad during the year 1907; the total cost of importing such coolies; and also the proportion of such total cost contributed by the Government and the planters on whose behalf such coolies are introduced.
§ THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. CHURCHILL,) Manchester, N. W.According to the latest information available, it was estimated that 1,800 immigrants would be introduced during the year 1907–8. The estimated expenditure of collecting and introducing immigrants during that period was £24,450, and of this sum one-third only is charged to the general revenue. I regret that I cannot furnish the hon. Member with figures for the calendar year, as the Estimates in Trinidad are prepared for the financial year running from 1st April to 31st March.
§ MR. MOORE (Armagh, N.)Are these coolies imported under servile conditions?
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe conditions are not the same as those under which Chinese labour was introduced into South Africa.