HC Deb 28 May 1941 vol 371 c1837
23. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Under secretary of State for the Colonies what revenue is received by the Fijian Government from the local gold-mining industry; what royalties are paid and to whom; and whether adequate arrangements have been made for the protection, health and welfare of labour?

The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. George Hall)

The revenue received by the Government of Fiji from the local gold-mining industry was estimated at £53,000 in 1940 and £58,000 in 1941. The bulk of this revenue is from royalty which is fixed at 5 per cent, of the value of the gold and is payable to Government. Statutory provisions have been made for the safety, health and welfare of labour employed in the mines, and the information received from the Colony shows that these provisions are being conscientiously applied.

Mr. Riley

Does the total amount received from the royalties accrue to the inhabitants of the Fiji Islands?

Mr. Hall

Yes, Sir.

Sir Francis Fremantle

Is there a proper officer in charge who really understands health and has made a study of it?