42. Dr. Guestasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that among a party of 75 British subjects recently returning from the Spanish island of Fernando Po to Calabar in Nigeria after a period of labour on the cocoa plantations, one person was found dead of starvation, three were found so ill from starvation as to require a fortnight's treatment in hospital, and the remainder were in a serious condition of neglect and malnutrition; and what steps have been taken to secure improvement in the conditions of labour contracts entered into by British subjects in Fernando Po?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI am informed that three cases of death due to asthenia occurred about a year ago among 49 persons who returned to Calabar from Fernando Po in very poor physical condition. Since that date an improvement has been reported in the treatment of labour in Fernando Po. Representations have been made by the British Vice-Consul in Santa Isabel concerning the position of labourers from Nigeria and an assurance has been given by the Governor-General of Fernando Po that it was the wish of the authorities to provide for the good treatment of all classes of labourers and especially of those coming from Nigeria as the local farming community was to a great extent dependent on the latter. From independent inquiries 937 which the Vice-Consul has been able to make it appears that the treatment which the labourers are now receiving has been much improved.
Dr. GuestIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the case about which I have asked in my question occurred in recent months and subsequent to those which he has cited; and will he make inquiries into it, as it would appear that the conditions are still exceedingly bad?
Mr. MacDonaldI will certainly make inquiries, and perhaps the hon. Gentleman who has just returned from the West Coast will let me have any information which he has.