Mr. JOSEPH POINTER (for Mr. Sum-merbell)asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies if he can state whether an application has been received by the Secretary of State from the People's Association of British Guiana, to be heard before the Committee now sitting as to the importation of indentured coolie labour into Crown Colonies; and, if so, could he inform the House whether such application will be acceded to?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Colonel Seely)The Governor of Trinidad informed the Secretary of State, in a despatch dated 21st June, that a deputation from the People's Association had waited upon him that day to inquire whether one or two representatives of the association might be sent to England to give evidence before the Committee. The Governor further reported that the appointment of the Committee was publicly announced in the Colony in February last, but that up to 21st June no representation had reached him from any person or body desirous of giving evidence. A telegram in the following terms was sent in reply to the association's request:—
The Committee will be ready to consider any written representations which may be forwarded, but 1148 at this late stage of their inquiry they are not prepared to recommend that farther witnesses should be brought over at the public expense, unless some definite matter is brought to their notice winch requires investigation by this means.