§ Mr. Joelasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the habit of labourers in Trinidad to work only for such number of days per week as to bring them sufficient funds for their requirements, and that at the present time such labourers in the sugar plantations in Trinidad are only working an average of 4.2 days per week; and whether, before taking any steps to compel any further increase in the wages of these workers, he will satisfy himself that there is sufficient labour in the island to reap the crops if the average number of days' labour per week is further reduced?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI am generally aware of the practice of labourers to which the hon. Member refers. With regard to the second part of the question, I am of opinion that this is a matter for investigation in the first place by the Commission which I have decided to appoint and I am, therefore, unable to make any statement upon it at present.