HC Deb 06 June 1921 vol 142 cc1516-8
64. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet any information from Ceylon as to the proposed Labour Ordinance or on the constitutional question?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. E. Wood)

As regards the Labour Ordinance, while action on the Bill as a whole has been suspended, in view of the depression in the local industries and other circumstances, legislation for the repeal of the penal provisions is under consideration. As regards the constitutional question, the Legislative Council constituted under the Reform Order in Council is about to meet, but I do not expect to be in a position to consider any proposals for further revision of the Constitution until the Session has been in progress for some time.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Am I right in understanding from the hon. Gentleman's reply that, because of the depression in the rubber and tea industries, the condition of semi-slavery for coolies is to be continued?

Mr. SPEAKER

I cannot pass that supplementary question. Questions containing allegations of that kind are not permissible.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

May I ask whether the present conditions of labour are to continue indefinitely because industries are to be depressed in Ceylon?

Mr. WOOD

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is quite wrong. What I said in my answer was that action on the Bill as a whole, owing to the abnormal state of affairs which now exists, has been suspended temporarily, but that meanwhile legislation for the repeal of the penal provisions is already under consideration.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at present no coolie can go to a fresh master unless the fresh master pays the debts which the coolie owes to his old master, and that, consequently, coolies are adscripti glebæ, and are tied to their jobs and cannot leave them?

Mr. WOOD

I am quite aware of the difficulties at present, but I think my hon. and gallant Friend underestimates the difficulties that will arise from a too ready application of what he wishes to see done in this particular instance at this time.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Surely the hon. Gentleman is aware that most of these companies have already written off in their accounts these debts that are owed to them by the coolies?

Mr. SPEAKER

Further questions should be put down.