HC Deb 07 March 1911 vol 22 c1002
Mr. EDMUND HARVEY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Governor of the islands of San Thomé and Principé had recently given permission to the Empreza Nacionel Steamship Company to convey 800 serviçaes from Angola in the s.s. "Cazengo" to the islands of San Thomé and Principé.

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)

I have just received information from H.M. Consul at Loanda that the Governor has given permission for the conveyance of 300 serviçaes. I have asked for information as to how these men were recruited, as—in accordance with the terms of the new regulations—the method of recruiting ought to be a matter of public knowledge.

Mr. EDMUND HARVEY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he had any official information to the effect that the decree of the Governor of San Thomé Island for repatriation of the serviçaes from Angola applies only to the labourers who are in the employ of the State and not to those on private estates.

Sir E. GREY

I have no information in regard to the Governor's decree, but I understand that the question of repatriation is at present before the Portuguese Cabinet, and I have asked His Majesty's Minister at Lisbon to keep me informed of what is decided.

Mr. EDMUND HARVEY

Will the right hon. Baronet make inquiries with regard to this particular matter?

Sir E. GREY

The last part of my answer was, "I have asked His Majesty's Minister at Lisbon to keep me informed of what is decided."