HC Deb 01 August 1861 vol 164 cc1822-3
MR. DARBY GRIFFITH

said, that he would beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether accounts have been received from the Consul General in Egypt giving the assurance that no Forced Labour is being employed on the works of the Suez Canst?.

VISCOUNT PALMERSTON

said, a Report had very recently been received from the Consul General, who had made a tour along the line of the intended canal, and it appeared that a considerable number of labourers were compelled to work on the canal; that they were very liberally paid by the Company, but that they had been brought to the spot without their wishes having been very much consulted.