§ Mr. REESasked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies what are the numbers, respectively, of the European population, of the indentured labour force, and of the coloured population of Trinidad; and whether the indentured labourers have complained of the wages they have received under their indentures?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY Of STATE for the COLONIES (Colonel Seely)The total population of the Colony, which, of course, includes Tobago, was estimated on 31st March, 1908, as being 344,000. The East Indian population, including persons of East Indian descent born in the Colony, was estimated at 103,000. Of these, something under 12,000 would be serving under indentures. I cannot give the number of persons of European descent, since the census returns do not make this distinction. No complaints by indentured labourers of the wages received by them have been notified to the Secretary of State.
§ Mr. REESI would like to ask whether the prosperity of the island does not depend in a very large measure upon the treatment of indentured labourers?
§ Colonel SEELYThat is a matter of opinion. I understand my hon. Friend is going to give evidence before the Royal Commission on the subject.