HC Deb 27 July 1937 vol 326 c2866
87. Mr. Riley

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the plantations in the mandated territory of the Cameroons, in connection with which the workers are paid partly in wages and partly in credit notes on plantation stores; and whether he can say if this practice was in operation prior to the granting of the mandate?

Sir A. Lambert Ward

My right hon. Friend understands that the practice to which the hon. Member refers is followed on plantations owned by the African Fruit Company of Hamburg, the West African Plantation Company, the "Likomba" Kamerun Bananen Gesellschaft. He is not aware whether this practice was in operation prior to the granting of the Mandate. A full inquiry is to be made into the system during 1937 with a view to taking all necessary measures either to abolish it or to ensure that it is in no way abused.