HC Deb 04 March 1931 vol 249 c381
34. Sir PHILIP RICHARDSON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state on what occasions forced labour has been called out in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanganyika, respectively, in the last five years, either on behalf of different Governments or private employers?

Dr. SHIELS

No forced labour for private employers has been called out in the East African Dependencies for many years, and it is forbidden by law. It is not possible, without reference to the Governments of the Dependencies mentioned, to specify the occasions during the last five years on which labour has been called out on behalf of the Government, or for communal or tribal purposes.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Does the hon. Gentleman admit that there has been forced labour there?

Dr. SHIELS

There are still some forms of compulsory labour, but the efforts of His Majesty's Government and the local Governments have been directed towards eliminating it as soon as possible, and a convention has recently been arranged with that object.

Mr. HAYCOCK

May I ask whether there has been any protest from Moscow?