§ Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSONasked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies, whether 8 any female labourers have been indentured for service inside the New Hebrides group under British licences; and, if so, how many?
§ Colonel SEELYThe recruitment of female labourers for service inside the New Hebrides under British licences is now forbidden. I have no information as to how many women were indentured for such service before the issue of the prohibition, but the Resident Commissioner has been instructed to report the number. I should add that the Secretary of State is prepared to allow women to be engaged as domestic servants to white residents under the provisions of Article LV. (1) of the Convention, i.e., provided that they are not engaged for more than three months with the option of renewal, and provided that they are not removed to an island more than 10 miles from the island of their tribe.
§ Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSONasked whether the recruiting of women and children for service outside the New Hebrides group has been prohibited by both parties to the condominium.
§ Colonel SEELYThe recruiting of women and children for service outside the New Hebrides under British licences has been prohibited by His Majesty's Government, but I am not aware whether a similar prohibition has been issued by the French Government. Enquiry shall be made.