§ 54. Mr. BLACKasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in accordance with his promise, he has sent forward the inquiries put with regard to the administration of the Island of Nauru; whether any explanation in reply has been received; and whether he can give full information with respect to the conditions under which Chinese labour is now employed on the island?
§ Mr. LUNNIn accordance with his undertaking given on 3rd March, to which, I understand, the hon. Member refers, the Secretary of State sent the Report of the Debate of that date to the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Austria for communication to his Ministers, He did not undertake, and he does not propose, to ask the Australian Government for any reply to the strictures on their administration. He is not aware that the information given to the House on the conditions of labour in Nauru has been deficient.
§ Mr. BLACKCannot the Minister give the information asked for in regard to the actual facts now obtaining in the Island of Nauru?
§ Mr. B. SMITHWill the hon. Gentleman let the House know the conditions of employment of the Chinese on this island, and the wages paid to them?