The Chinese labour question came up again in the Commons
on Monday, Dr. Macnamara moving the adjournment of the House. He claimed that before the Ordinance came into force the House should be put in possession of the rules relating to the introduction, management, and repatriation of the families of the coolies. The burden of defence was sustained by the Colonial Secretary in a heated speech, in which he took the line that his personal honour was impugned, denouncing Sir Henry Fowler's use of the word " conscience " as "nauseous." Mr. Lyttelton repudiated with indignation the charge that the Government were about to recognise a state of slavery. After explaining the pre- cautions taken to safeguard the interests of the coolie, he pointed out that the regulations were to be made under the Ordinance, and OA they might have to be issued at intervals during the next five years, it was absurd to demand the suspension of its operation till all the necessary regulations should have been issued. Mr. Asquith, who followed, refused
to treat the matter on a personal basis. The House of Com- mons ought not to be satisfied with the pledges of Ministers unless it was prepared to abdicate its functions. It was the trustee for the liberty of the subject throughout the British Empire, and could not delegate its trust. On a division the Government majority, which stands normally at 109, dropped to 56 (212 to 156).
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