§ 25. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the hours worked by young clerks in West Africa for a wage of 10s. per month are frequently 14 per day; that artisans receive from is. 3d. to 2s. 6d. per day and engine drivers 2s. 6d. per day; that medical services for miners are extremely poor; and what action he proposes to take to establish better industrial conditions and remuneration for West African natives?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe information at my disposal does not bear out the hon. Member's statements, and indicates that general rates of pay for the types of worker to whom he refers are considerably higher than he suggests. If, however, he will supply me with specific information in regard to a particular Colony or Colonies, where he has reason to think that the conditions of service for clerks or artisans or miners are unsatisfactory, I shall be glad to have inquiry made.
§ Mr. SorensenWould the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question? What action does he intend to take?
Mr. MacDonaldI understood that the hon. Member referred to action arising out of the poor conditions suggested in 206 the earlier part of the question. As my information shows that the conditions are not as bad as suggested, it did not seem to me that in this case the latter part of the question arose.
§ Mr. SorensenDo I understand the right hon. Gentleman to deny that the conditions are at all bad, or to suggest that the figures are incorrect?
Mr. MacDonaldThat is a much wider question. I was keeping my answer to the statement made in the question on the Paper.
§ Mr. PalingAre there not lots of people in the Colonies getting less than 10s. a month?