HC Deb 14 April 1943 vol 388 c1204
37. Mr. David Adams

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the shipping companies and dock operating firms of Sierra Leone, having been granted conscript labour for the more efficient working of the port, have refused to pay the increased wages recommended by the Labour Advisory Board some months ago; and whether, as the opportunity for redress of grievances by these workers is limited, he will take steps to ensure the enforcement of such and subsequent recommendations?

Colonel Stanley

Conscript labour in Freetown is enrolled in military units, is controlled by the military authorities in Sierra Leone, and is paid at military rates of pay. I have no information as to a refusal by the shipping companies and dock operating companies to pay increased wages to civilian labour and am consulting the Governor. With regard to the last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to his Questions on 6th April.

Mr. Adams

In view of the fact that these workers are conscript labour now, surely the recommendations of the Labour Advisory Board ought to have more weight with the Government than they, have? The recommendations are really ignored.

Colonel Stanley

As I told the hon. Member on the last occasion, I am finding out from the Governor.