Labourers (Fernando Po)

HC Deb 08 July 1953 vol 517 c1226

14. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of Nigerians who are working as labourers in Fernando Po.

Mr. Lyttelton

The number working under contract in Fernando Po and Rio Muni is believed to be about 12,000.

Mr. Johnson

Is the Minister aware that increasing numbers of landless labourers are leaving the over-populated mainland of Nigeria for this island, and does he think it a good thing in view of the unsatisfactory conditions of work obtaining on this island?

Mr. Lyttelton

I do not agree with the last part of the hon. Gentleman's remarks. The conditions under which the men work have been praised on the whole by the Spanish authorities, but that which gives the Spanish authorities and the Nigerian Government some disquiet is the increasing number of men who have been smuggled through. They are trying to stop that.

Mr. Nicholson

Do the Nigerian Government send officers to investigate the conditions under which these men work and live?

Mr. Lyttelton

Yes, there is an officer with this responsibility resident in that area.