HC Deb 20 October 1908 vol 194 cc930-1
MR. SUMMERBELL (Sunderland)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the cost of introducing indentured coolies into Trinidad is about £27 per head; that towards such cost the employers requiring such labour only contribute about £5 per head, the remainder being made up by a contribution from general revenue of £9 and by an export tax on produce of £13; and, if so, whether he is prepared to take steps having for its object the placing of the entire charge for introducing such coolies on the employers who require such labour.

THE UNDER-SECRETAEY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Colonel SEELY,) Liverpool, Abercromby

As my hon. friend was informed in reply to a similar Question on 27th March, 1907, the cost of importing indentured immigrants varies. In the last completed financial year it was between £27 and £28 per head. The sources from which this amount is made up are as stated in the Question. So far as we are aware the balance of opinion in the island seems to incline to a continuance of the present system, but the Secretary of State is prepared to address further inquiries on this subject to the Officer administering the Government.