32. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that recent reports show that the imposition of penal sanctions arising from breaches of civil contracts amongst the workers of Africa are now only a negligible proportion; and whether he will consider the advisability of deciding that penal sanctions for breaches of civil contracts shall be abolished throughout the Colonial territories of Great Britain?
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)I am satisfied that penal sanctions, where they still exist in British Colonies, should not be abolished more rapidly than was prescribed in 202 the International Convention adopted last summer by the International Labour Conference; but I have impressed upon the Governors concerned my strong desire that such sanctions should be reduced to the absolute minimum, and I have asked them to keep this matter constantly in mind.
Mr. Creech JonesDoes the answer mean that His Majesty's Government will ratify the Convention at the earliest possible moment?
§ Mr. MacDonaldYes, Sir.