§ MR. STAVELEY-HILL (Staffordshire, Kingswinford)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps the British authorities take to satisfy themselves that the labourers engaged in the British West Indies to work on the Panama Isthmian Canal thoroughly understand the terms of their engagement before leaving.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe majority of the labourers from the West Indian Colonies working on the Panama Canal have gone to the Isthmus voluntarily in search of work, and without the cognizance of the Governments. As regards those 1590 who have been recruited under contract, the Secretary of State has no doubt that the local Governments assure themselves that the terms of any contract offered are fully understood.
§ MR. STAVELEY-HILLI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state what are the regular hours of work for labourers engaged in the British West Indies for employment on the Panama Isthmian Canal; and what system is in force to ascertain that these hours are not exceeded.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe matters to which the hon. Member refers come within the purview of the Canal Commission. The British Minister at Panama will be asked to obtain particulars.