HC Deb 02 June 1913 vol 53 c559
2. Mr. HOARE

asked how many of the contract labourers that have been repatriated from San Thomé and Principé during the last year have received any bonus in money; and, if so, to what amount?

Mr. ACLAND

I am endeavouring to obtain details of the amount of the bonuses paid to repatriated labourers since the first quarter of 1912 for which period the amount was £535 among forty-seven labourers.

Sir J. D. REES

Under what treaty or engagement with the Portuguese Government is His Majesty's Government entitled to demand these details?

Mr. ACLAND

It is not a question of demanding. The Portuguese Government have supplied us with figures in these matters, and I think we are perfectly justified in having some interest in a matter of this kind.

3. Mr. HOARE

asked whether any locations have been set aside on the mainland for contract labourers repatriated from San Thoméand Principlé

Mr. ACLAND

I understand that land has been set aside to provide for the settlement of repatriated labourers, but that so far the labourers who have been offered the choice of remaining on one of these settlements have preferred to be sent back at once to their homes in the interior.