§ 1. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what penal sanctions for breach of contract are at present in force in the Seychelle Islands; if he is aware that they constitute a violation of the convention against penal sanctions for breach of contract of which Her Majesty's Government is a signatory; and if he will take steps to abolish them forthwith.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. John Profumo)As my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. J. Johnson) on 18th April, 1956, there is no provision in Seychelles law for penal sanctions for breach of contract by workers, although penalties are prescribed against employers who fail to observe certain of the terms of any contract of service. This is not a violation of international labour conventions.
§ Mr. SwinglerWhile appreciating that the Under-Secretary has not had much time to look into this problem, may I ask him to investigate this matter again at a later date and make a statement upon it? Further, is the Under-Secretary aware that the interpretation of the law that has been made by many citizens in the Seychelles is that these penalties amount to penal sanctions, and that there are legal experts there who believe that they constitute a violation of the convention? Would the hon. Gentleman care to investigate this matter again?
§ Mr. ProfumoI am quite sure of my facts, but I will give an undertaking that I will look at the matter further.