§ 34. Mr. J. HARRISasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that there has been introduced into the Gold Coast Colony, under the sole authority of the Executive Council and without any reference to the Legislative Council, an ordinance requiring (under severe pains and penalties for default) all European employers to obtain a licence to employ, and all domestic servants a licence to engage with, Europeans; that this ordinance requires photographs of each employé to be affixed to the licence, coupled with the thumb and finger prints of both hands; that, after having paid the licence fee, the applicant is further required to forward at his own expense two copies to the criminal investigation department; and what action does he propose to take in the matter?
Mr. THOMASThe hon. Member no doubt refers to certain rules which have recently been passed by the Governor-in-Council of the Gold Coast under the powers conferred by the Regulation of Employment Ordinance of the Legislature of the Colony. I may explain that the consent of the Legislative Council for such action is not necessary in cases where the Governor-in-Council is empowered under an Ordinance to issue rules and regulations. The provisions of the Rules are undoubtedly of a stringent character, and I propose to ask the Governor to explain the special circumstances which are considered to render them necessary.
§ Mr. HARRISWill the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that these rules will not be put into force until he has had an explanation?
Mr. THOMASObviously my object in asking for the special reasons is to satisfy myself before the rules are sanctioned.