HC Deb 10 February 1908 vol 183 cc1406-7
SIR GILBERT PARKER

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can say what will be the housing accommodation provided for Natives under the Convention; and what will he the scale of food.

MR. CHURCHILL

The Secretary of State has just received a report from the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific on his recent visit to the New Hebrides to proclaim the Convention. In that report it is stated that the British and French High Commissioners have instructed the Resident Commissioners to prepare regulations on recruiting and the conditions of labour. These regulations will of course contain all necessary provisions on the subject of the housing accommodation and the scale of food of natives employed by Europeans in the New Hebrides.

MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAY (St. Andrews Burghs)

Will the Report be issued to the House?

MR. CHURCHILL

I have not read it yet. That point will be considered.

MR. J. WARD (Stoke-on-Trent)

Will the regulations drawn up by the Resident Commissioner be laid before the House?

MR. CHURCHILL

No, Sir; but the instructions given to the Commissioner have already been published and I understand have met with a considerable amount of approval.