§ Sir RANDOLF BAKERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any recruiting of indentured labour for East Africa has been carried on in Somaliland during the past six 1428W months; and, if so, on what terms and whether by the sanction of the Colonial Office?
Mr. HARCOURTWith my sanction a party of Somali natives, consisting of 255 men, ninety-three women, and fifty-seven minors, was engaged in October last by the Coast Labour Society, East Africa Protectorate, for work in the coast plantations of East Africa. The period of engagement is one year. Wages, Rs. 8 a month for adult males, Rs. 5 a month for females and minors. Quarters, medical attendance, and food on a prescribed scale, provided free. Labourers are not to be separated from their families or dependents. The agreement may be renewed on the same terms for a further period, not exceeding one year. On expiration of the agreement the labourer is to be returned to Somaliland if either he, or the Governor of the East Africa Protectorate, or the Commissioner of Somaliland desires it, and is to be provided with sufficient food for the journey.