§ 61. Mr. BLACKasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Great Britain possesses any preferential right to the phosphates of Nauru, and, if so, in what proportion to That of the Dominions; and whether he is prepared to secure for the workers in the phosphate mines, through the International Labour Office, conditions of labour as set forth in the Labour Clauses of the Treaty of Versailles?
Mr. THOMASThe property rights purchased by the three partner countries from the Pacific Phosphate Company include the sole right to work the phosphate deposits in Nauru. The allotment between the three partner countries of the annual output of phosphates is governed by Article 14 of the Nauru Island Agreement. As regards the second part of the question, all matters connected with the regulation of conditions of labour in Nauru are for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia.
§ Mr. BLACKCan the Government assure the House that they are thoroughly satisfied with all the conditions under which this Chinese labour is working in Nauru?
Mr. THOMASThe Government are in no way responsible, as I explained to my hon. Friend previously. This is a mandate for which Australia accepts the responsibility. It is only fair to say that the Australian Government very strongly resent the statements made previously on this question.