§ Mr. MANDERasked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs in what territories within the British Empire under the control of his Department there still exists slavery or forced labour?
§ Mr. LUNNThe only territories which are administered under the authority of the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs are Basutoland, Swaziland and the Bechuanaland Protectorate. Slavery does not exist in these territories and there is no form of compulsory labour except in so far as native custom requires the natives to render certain services to the chiefs for tribal purposes.
§ Mr. MANDERasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to bring to an end compulsory labour in Ceylon, Cyprus, Fiji and islands in the Western Pacific High Commission, Montserrat and the Virgin Islands, the States of North Borneo and Sarawak, and in the Colonies and Protectorates in West, East, and Central Africa?
§ Dr. SHIELSI am afraid that it is not practicable, within the scope of a reply to a Parliamentary question, to give a detailed statement of the kind desired by the hon. Member in respect of the various territories mentioned. The whole question of forced and compulsory labour is, however, engaging the active consideration of His Majesty's Government in connection with the draft convention which it is hoped will be adopted at the International Labour Conference in June next. It is the general policy of His Majesty's Government to proceed progressively towards the ultimate suppression of forced and compulsory labour in all its forms. As, however, its immediate suppression, in all the Dependencies, is not practicable, 1945W it is the policy of His Majesty's Government in the meantime to prohibit the exaction of compulsory labour, except for necessary public services, and that only under very careful safeguards, in cases where it has been found impossible to obtain voluntary labour.