§ 41. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will see that no change is made in the East African currency which would adversely affect the value of the wages usually paid to natives of East Africa?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Churchill)The final details of the settlement of the East African currency question are not yet completed. I am informed that there is no reason to suppose that it will in any way prejudice the position of the native labourers with respect to the wages they receive.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre we to understand from that answer that the general principle has been accepted that the rupee will be cut down from 2s. to 1s. 4d., so that the natives will have their wages cut down by 50 per cent.?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe inference to be derived from the answer is that that will not be the ultimate result.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the rupee to be cut down in value from 2s. to 1s. 4d.—on that depends the whole thing?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe problem is a difficult one; but I am devoting my attention very carefully to it now. I would rather make a statement on the subject as a whole to the House.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWho is looking after the interests of the natives of East Africa?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMy hon. and gallant Friend appears to be doing so!
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs not the Secretary of State for the Colonies responsible for His Majesty's subjects, and not only the interests of his friends?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt is very early days to draw up an indictment against me upon my administration.
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELIs the word "rupee" in this matter applicable to our Indian subjects as well as to those of East Africa?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI deprecate any attempt to answer a conundrum on this very intricate topic till I have given close study to the subject.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan we assume that this question has not been prejudiced by the absence of the right hon. Gentleman—that he has not come back to find it a fait accompli?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir; but the matter is a detailed one, and I am going 916 to give it my careful personal consideration in the next few days.