§ 17. Mr. BERNAYSasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what reason it has been decided to abolish the labour department in the protectorate of the Solomon Islands and consequently to remove the inspector of labour from his post; and what steps are being taken to secure proper supervision of the employment of the 4,000 native contract labourers employed upon the plantations of the protectorate?
Mr. M. MacDONALDThe post of chief inspector of labourers has been abolished, but an officer of the Labour Department is being retained at Tulagi for departmental duties. The work of inspecting the plantations now rests with the Department of District Administration. The abolition of the post of chief inspector was recommended in 1930 by a local labour commission, partly for reasons of economy, and partly because inspections both by an officer of the Department of District Administration and by an officer of the Labour Department were not considered necessary. The recommendation to dispense with the post was supported by the Resident Commissioner and by the High Commissioner.
§ Mr. LUNNMay I ask whether the Colonial Office are supporting the deposition of the Labour Department in the Solomon Islands; the best department in the islands?
Mr. MacDONALD; This is a question of inspection, and as the answer shows that inspection is still being carried on by officers of the department.