HC Deb 05 December 1945 vol 416 cc2302-3
10. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are taken to see that African workers recruited for labour outside their own territories do not carry diseases from one area to another; and is he satisfied that these measures are effective.

Mr. George Hall

All workers engaged on contract in British Colonial territories in Africa for service outside their own territory are medically examined in accordance with the requirements of the International Labour Recruitment Conventions of 1936 and 1939, both of which have been applied throughout those territories. In addition, every effort is made to ensure that migrant workers, not under contract, are medically examined on crossing into British territory. The possibility of improving existing arrangements has recently been discussed with both the French and the Belgian authorities.

Mr. Lipson

Will the right hon. Gentleman investigate allegations that natives carrying tuberculosis and leprosy have been recruited by commercial recruiters for work in Southern Rhodesia, and if that is so will he see that more effective action is taken to prevent it?

Mr. Hall

Certainly, Sir. If the hon. Gentleman will give me particulars of such cases I will look into them