§ 4. Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what was the total percentage of the adult male population of Basutoland which was absent from the territory on employment at the last date for which figures are available?
Mr. M. MacDonaldAccording to the census returns for 1936 approximately 40 per cent. of the male population of Basutoland of Bantu race aged 15 and over was then absent from the territory on employment elsewhere.
§ Mr. RileyDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that this is a very high percentage and that it is not conducive to the social well-being of people in Basutoland?
Mr. MacDonaldIt certainly is a high percentage, but I think that the hon. Member will appreciate that there are things to be said on both sides, and it would be impossible to enter into a discussion of the matter by question and answer.
§ Mr. LunnIs there a labour department which looks after the interests of these men who are doing labour outside this territory?
Mr. MacDonaldThere is a labour union looking after the interests of workers in the outlying territories.