Mr. KINGasked the Secretary for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Immigration Department in Mauritius is in the habit of charging to planters fees which vary according to the physical conditions and ages of respective indentured coolies; and whether His Majesty's Government will take steps to abolish this practice?
Mr. HARCOURTMy only knowledge of the practice is derived from an answer given by the protector of immigrants in Mauritius to a question asked by the Chairman of the Committee on Emigration for India to the Crown Colonies and Protectorates, which my hon. Friend will find reported on page 362 of Cd. 5193. I am not aware whether this custom obtains elsewhere, but as the result of it would seem to be the discouragement of the recruiting of unfit labourers, as at present advised I see no reason to object to the practice.