§ Mr. David Adamsasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies 793W whether he is aware that several thousand Jamaican labourers have now been recruited by the United States Government agent in co-operation with the Jamaica Government Labour Office for work on reconstruction of the Panama Canal, and that complaints are made of bad food, housing and ill-treatment from their American employers; and whether a liaison officer has now been appointed for duty there to ensure proper conditions for these labourers?
§ Mr. Harold MacMillanI am aware that a considerable number of Jamaican labourers have been recruited for work on the reconstruction of the Panama Canal. My Noble Friend has not received any complaints of the nature stated from the Jamaican labourers employed there. Inquiry has, however, been made of the Governor of Jamaica on the point and also regarding the appointment of a liaison officer for duty in the Panama Canal zone. I will communicate further with my hon. Friend when the Governor's reply has been received.