HC Deb 11 March 1912 vol 35 cc809-10
Mr. NEWMAN

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to a statement made on 5th instant in the Union House of Assembly by the Minister for Native Affairs that, owing to the high mortality among tropical natives, the Government had decided to forbid recruiting for the Rand mining industry among such natives; whether he has the latest percentage of mortality among the black population employed in the mining industry, both indigenous and imported; whether he is aware of any proposal to introduce cheap white labour to supplement the supply of labour available; and what powers, if any, of control in the matter of labour legislation are reserved to the Imperial Government?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)

I have seen in the Press a report of Mr. Burton's speech, but have not received any official communication in regard to it, nor can I say whether it is proposed to introduce further white labour. I have been, and still am, in communication with the Union Government on the subject of the mortality of Nyasaland labourers, and the question whether it can be reduced or whether the emigration of Nyasa labourers to the Rand should be absolutely prohibited. The rate per thousand of mortality from disease among all natives employed on mines and works in proclaimed labour districts of the Transvaal for December last was 28.9. No special power of control in regard to labour legislation is reserved to His Majesty's Government.

Mr. ALFRED LYTTELTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman lay on the Table of the House Papers on the subject?

Mr. HARCOURT

I will consider whether it is possible to do so.

Mr. NEWMAN

May I ask whether it is proposed to introduce Chinese labour?

Mr. HARCOURT

The hon. Member should give notice of that. It is another question altogether.

Mr. NEWMAN

What was the percentage of deaths of the Chinese who were employed in South Africa?

Mr. HARCOURT

I do not carry the statistics with me.

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