§ 98. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the wages of labourers on the Seychelles coconut plantations; and whether any increases are proposed, in view of the present price for copra of £83 15s. per ton.
Mr. DugdaleThe statutory minimum wages are 22 rupees, 50 cents for a week of 40 hours; most labourers can, and many do, earn two or three times that amount. Since the recent increase in the price of copra, wages on Government estates have been increased by 10 per cent. and the effect of this increase on rates on private estates is being carefully watched.