Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what penal sanctions attach to the existing contracts for labour in British Guiana; and whether, in acordance with the proposed abolition of penal sanctions under the Contract Labour Convention, he will invite the Government of British Guiana to provide for an early abolition of these penal sanctions?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe penal sanctions attaching to contracts for labour in British Guiana are prescribed in the Employers and Servants Ordinance, 1925, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. I have recently received from the Acting Governor a draft Labour Ordinance which provides, inter alia, for the repeal of the 1925 Ordinance. The whole question of the abolition of these sanctions is now under my consideration in the light of the Acting Governor's despatch.
1357W
Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of paragraphs 39–49 of the report upon labour conditions in British Guiana, he will consult that administration as to the possibility of introducing legislation conforming to the conditions laid down and supported by His Majesty's Government in the Contract Labour Convention?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI have already communicated with the Government of British Guiana regarding the possibility of applying to the Colony the provisions of the recent International Labour Convention concerning the Regulation of Written Contracts of Employment of Indigenous Workers.