HC Deb 24 November 1948 vol 458 cc1229-31
22. Mrs. Middleton

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many women and how many children are employed in the sugar industry in Mauritius; what are their rates of pay; and whether he is satisfied with the existing position.

Mr. Creech Jones

The reply is long and contains figures. I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mrs. Middleton

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any action has yet been taken to implement the recommendations in the Report of the Mauritius Economic Mission regarding the setting up of day nurseries, the provision of meals for school children, and helping workers to get nourishing food in view of the enhanced cost of living?

Mr. Creech Jones

That supplementary question relates to the subject of another Question.

Following is the reply:

The average monthly figures for 1947 were: Women 15,260 and juveniles 3,926. The latter figure includes some children of 12–14 years of age employed on very light work. The minimum age of employment in agriculture is 12 years. I have no figures as to the number of children of 12–14 years who are so employed.

The wage rates vary according as the person is employed by the month or by the day and in the latter case, according to task. The rates for the period 1st July to 31st December, 1948, including cost of living allowance and other bonuses, are approximately:

Women, young persons and children employed on a monthly basis—

Rates for daily workers—

In the case of monthly workers an end of crop bonus is paid which ranges from 5 per cent. to 10 per cent. of the workers' earnings during the crop period. Monthly paid workers work an 8-hour day. The task of a daily paid worker is based on 8 hours normal work but it does not in fact exceed 6 hours. The working week is one of six days, except for women and children, where it is five days.

In 1947 the actual wages earned each month exceeded the then minimum rates. In July 1948 these rates were increased by 26 per cent. in the case of monthly workers and 16⅔ per cent. in the case of daily workers and are shown above.

As regards the third part of the Question, the present wage rates were the result of an arbitration award which became effective from the 1st July this year. I understand that the Mauritius Economic Commission whose Report was published in August this year found that the employment of women and children is necessary, particularly during the harvest period and for certain field operations. It is an aim of policy of the Government of Mauritius to limit the employment of women and children, especially during the inter-crop period, to suitable types of work, and I understand that the Labour Department in co-operation with local trade unions is working towards this end.