§ 55. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Report of the South African Parliamentary Committee on the disabilities of the Indians in the Transvaal recommends that no new trading licences shall be granted to Indians, and also that the hold- 564 ing of land by Indians, even in corporate form, should be made illegal, and asks for immediate legislation; and what steps His Majesty's Government intend to take to protect the rights and opportunities of vote less British subjects in South Africa?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYI am aware of the Report referred to, but it does not, as I understand, contain any recommendation regarding trading licences such as is suggested. With regard to the holding of land, the object of the Bill framed by the Committee is, I understand, to prevent what is regarded as an evasion of the law, which has been in force for many years in the Transvaal. Existing rights are, however, to be protected. The Secretary of State has not yet received the text of the Bill, but he has been in communication with the Governor-General, and as at present advised does not think that it is necessary to approach the Union Government on the subject.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODHas the India Office been approached by the Colonial Office on this question of safeguarding the rights of our Indian fellow subjects?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYMy hon. and gallant Friend should, I think, address that question to the India Office.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODI asked whether the Colonial Office had approached the India Office, not whether the Indians had approached it?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give notice of that question, I will look into it.