§ Mr. SPOORasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will give figures showing the number of Indians who have returned to India from Trinidad during each of the last three years?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI have been asked to reply. The numbers of returning immigrants from Trinidad shown in the annual Administration Reports of the Protector of Immigrants are as follow:—
1924 886 1925 898 1926 996 Total 2,780
§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the plight of the large Indian community in Trinidad where, owing to the absence of adequate facilities for repatriation, many Indians, in spite of the conditions and wages prevailing, are subjected to enforced residence; whether he is aware that there is no one, official or non-official, to look after the interests of the community and that the Emigration Department of the Government of the Colony, which was partly responsible for the well-being of the community, has now been abolished; whether, in view of these conditions, the Secretary of State 45W will recommend the appointment of an agent to watch Indian interests in Trinidad; and whether he will consider the advisability of negotiating with the Government of the Colony with a view to providing adequate facilities for repatriation?
§ Earl WINTERTONI am not aware that the situation of the Indian community is such as is suggested by the hon. Member. The hon. Member would also appear to be misinformed in regard to the Immigration Department which, as far as I am aware, is still in existence under the supervision of an officer entitled the Protector of Immigrants.
My Noble Friend will communicate with the Government of India regarding the suggestions contained in the last two parts of the question.