§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government have yet decided whether they ought to and can, put an end to the system whereby the coolie recruiting agents for the Crown Colonies are paid a commission per head upon the coolies they persuade to sign indentures?
Mr. HARCOURTThe question, which is primarily one for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for India, is receiving consideration, but no decision has yet been taken.
§ Mr. BYLESCan the right hon. Gentleman state whether this method of recruiting indentured labour is not in the nature of veiled slavery; and whether the Colonial Office will not set its face against anything of that kind?
Mr. HARCOURTI think that hardly arises out of the question. If the hon. Member wishes to raise the point perhaps he will put down a further question.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answer he has just given is precisely the same as the answer he gave me in the early part of March last?