§ MR. SUMMERBELLI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that nearly all sugar and several cocoa estates in Trinidad keep a special book with the object of evading the clause of the Immigration Ordinance which refuses additional immigrants when 70 per cent. of the adult males indentured have failed to earn 3s. 6d. a week; whether these special books show indentured immigrants as earning considerably more than they really do; whether the inspector of immigrants and his assistants are aware of the existence of these books; and, if so, can he state what action, if any, the Government intend to take to see that the conditions laid down by the Immigration Ordinance are complied with.
§ COLONEL SEELYThe section of the Trinidad Ordinance to which my hon. friend refers (Section 70) requires that if 30 per cent. of the adult male immigrants have, during the year, earned a less amount of wages than will give an average for each of sixpence for every day during the twelve months, it shall not be lawful for the protector to accept any applications for immigrants in respect 98 of the plantation in question for the year next ensuing, subject to the power of the Governor to give relief for due cause shown. The Secretary of State is unaware that any such special books are kept as my hon. friend indicates, but he will make inquiry on the subject if my hon. friend so desires.
§ MR. SUMMERBELLWill the hon. Gentleman let me know the result of the investigation?
§ COLONEL SEELYIf my hon. friend desires, I will inquire and communicate with him.