§ 14. Mr. SNELLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet had an opportunity of discussing with the Governor of the Gold Coast Colony the question of labour in the Northern Territories for the gold mines of the Gold Coast; whether he is aware that political officers have put forth special efforts to obtain labour for this purpose; and whether he, is prepared to give instructions that these officers should on no account be allowed to engage in any form of recruitment of labour?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. J. H. Thomas)I have not yet had an opportunity of discussing the matter with the Governor, but I have decided that the assistance given to recruiting by political officers in the Northern Territories must cease. I am much concerned at the figures of death rates in these mines, and am considering what steps to take in the matter.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREDoes that mean that the question of recruiting will be left entirely to the recruiting agents of the mining company?
§ Mr. THOMASYes, it means that no encouragement will be given by the Government.