§ 10. Mr. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the result of the investigation into the conditions of migrant labour in Uganda; whether a number of migrant labourers, entering Uganda from the Belgian Congo, are liable to forced labour in that territory: and whether he can give any information as to the physical condition of these labourers on entering into Uganda?
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Colonel Oliver Stanley)I have not yet seen the report of the investigation referred to in the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on 27th January, but it is being considered by the Governor, who hopes to authorise a beginning this year in the construction of camps and dispensaries for labour entering Uganda from Ruanda Urundi. The second part of the Question, as to whether some of these emigrants are liable to forced labour in the Belgian Congo, should properly be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. They are, of course, not recruited compulsorily for work in Uganda. As regards the third part, pending receipt of the report just mentioned, I have no detailed information, but according to a recent report from His Majesty's Consul at Costermansville, natives leaving for Uganda are in possession of money and a stock of food and there are shelters and dispensaries at frequent intervals along their route in Ruanda.
§ Mr. HarveyWould my right hon. and gallant Friend consider placing copies of the report in the Library of the House?
§ Colonel StanleyI have not seen it yet, but when I see it I will certainly consider that.