HC Deb 26 November 1930 vol 245 c1278
2. Mr. MANDER

asked the the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reports have recently been received from British Consuls in Portuguese West Africa with reference to the system of forced labour for private profit in operation there; and whether these have been or will be published?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

The hon. Member will be aware that in February, 1929, a report on economic conditions in Angola, from His Majesty's Consul-General at Loanda, was published, in which reference was made to labour conditions in the colony. Such reports as I have received since that date do not indicate that the position has improved, but as these reports only refer to the question incidentally, they would not be suitable for publication.

Mr. MANDER

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think, in view of the attitude taken up at Geneva this year, that it is desirable that the world should have as much publicity as possible about what the Portuguese are doing?

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