§ 13. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what date last November the wages of plantation labourers in the Seychelles were raised by 13 shillings per week; how many workers were dismissed during the following month; how many have been re-employed at task rates; and what action is being taken by the Government to prevent the victimisation of workers and to ensure that proper rates of wages are paid.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydMinimum wage rates in Seychelles were raised by amounts varying from 4s. 6d. to 13s. 6d. a month on 2nd November, 1957. As the registration of employment and discharge of labour is not compulsory, the information requested in the second part of the hon. Member's Question is not available. The Labour Department has so far noted 15 cases of dismissals through to be due to the wage increase. No information is available about the number who have been re engaged at task rates.
The Seychelles Government do not consider that there is any victimisation of labour at present but will prosecute in any case where evidence of evasion of Minimum Wages Orders is obtained.
§ Mr. SwinglerWill the right hon. Gentleman ensure that the matter is kept under close review? Is he aware that there are allegations of victimisation of workers and deliberate evasion of the long-overdue wage increase that was granted? Will he, therefore, ask the Labour Department in the Seychelles to keep him continuously informed about the matter?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydYes, Sir, I will indeed.