HC Deb 03 November 1908 vol 195 c965
MR. HAROLD COX (Preston)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the attention of the Secretary of State has been called to the efforts now being made in various self-governing British Colonies to exclude from such Colonies His Majesty's Indian subjects on the ground of differences in race and colour; and whether he will consider the desirability of providing by legislation that no white person born or domiciled in any such self-governing Colony shall be eligible for any post of profit under the Indian Government.

MR. BUCHANAN

The Secretary of State does not consider it desirable to take action as suggested in the Question.

*MR. REES

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in many native States in India Europeans are prevented from settling or holding any office under the State?

MR. BUCHANAN

That hardly arises out of the Question on the Paper.

MR. BYLES (Salford, N.)

May I ask whether this treatment by the Colonies of His Majesty's subjects on the ground of colour is not aggravating the unrest in India itself?

*MR. SPEAKER

That is a matter of opinion.