HC Deb 18 December 1908 vol 198 cc2232-3
MR. BELLAIRS (Lynn Regis)

To ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state, in continuation of the Answer given in the House on 9th April, 1907, the number of battleships, coast-defence vessels, armoured cruisers, protected cruisers, and destroyers laid down, and the number struck off the list of efficient ships in each class for the years 1907 and 1908, stating whether any alteration is contemplated in the list before 1st January, 1909.

(Answered by Mr. McKenna.)

reasonable excuse, fails or neglects to commence work at the time and place appointed, or who, without reasonable excuse, fails or neglects to perform his task in a proper manner, or who, without leave, absents himself from his work, or fails to complete his period of service, shall be liable on summary conviction to be imprisoned with hard labour for a period not exceeding six months; and whether this Ordinance has received the assent of the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

(Answered by Colonel Seely.) I would refer my lion, friend to the reply to the subsequent Question which stands in his name.

MR. MOLTENO

To ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether an Ordinance was passed by the legislative Council of the territory of Papua on 29th May last the object of which was stated to be to encourage the natives of Papua in habits of industry; if so, whether it contains a clause to the effect that every male native between the prescribed ages shall, when called upon, be liable to work, under the direction and control of the Government, on a Government plantation, public road, or native reserve in the division in which he resides, for the Government, without pay, for a period of one month in every twelve; and whether he proposes to take any action in this matter.

(Answered by Colonel Seely.) My hon. friend is no doubt aware that the administration of Papua is directly under the control of the Commonwealth of Australia. I understand that the Ordinance referred to was not passed, but only read a second time, in the Legislative Council of Papau on 29th May last. So far as I am aware it has not since been proceeded with. If it is hereafter passed the Lieutenant-Governor will no doubt reserve it for the consideration of the Governor-General in Council.