Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether the reports on labour problems in West Africa and Mauritius, prepared by Major Orde-Brown, are yet available?
§ Mr. George HallMajor Orde-Browne's report on labour conditions in West Africa has been published to-day. It is impossible to say how soon his report on Mauritius will be available, since he has not yet returned from his visit to that colony.
Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether Article 341 of the penal code in Mauritius has yet been repealed; and, if not, whether steps will be taken to that end?
§ Mr. HallA Bill for the revision of the Mauritius penal code, including the repeal of the article referred to, has been under consideration by the Council of Government of the colony. Article 341 1793W of the code must, however, be read subject to the Industrial Associations Ordinance, 1938, which enables associations of employees to be formed. My Noble Friend proposes to consult the Governor as to repeal of the article and also as to the progress which is being made with the revision of the code generally.