HC Deb 23 March 1914 vol 60 cc7-8
4. Mr. HOARE

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has yet received official notification from the Portuguese Government of the charges upon which Mr. Bowskill has been arrested in West Africa?

Mr. ACLAND

I have received no notification of the actual charges on which Mr. Bowskill was arrested.

Mr. HOARE

Does the hon. Member know whether they are making any inquiry?

Mr. ACLAND

Yes; we shall hear as soon as the charges have been formulated and are known to the Portuguese Government.

Mr. HOARE

Does the hon. Member know when that is likely to happen?

Mr. ACLAND

No, Sir, I could not say precisely.

7. Mr. FREDERICK HALL (Dulwich)

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether any form of forced or indentured labour is in operation on any of the plantations in Portuguese West Africa where cocoa is grown which is exported to this country?

Mr. ACLAND

I am not aware that there is any forced labour, but indentured labour is in operation in the plantations in question; indeed, I have no special knowledge as to which plantations cocoa exported to this country comes from.

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