Dr. Morganasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether the system in prisons in the West Indies under which all prisoners during holidays and week-ends, except for church services, are locked inside their cells so that the prison warders may have their holiday or leave still obtains in most islands, as it did up to 1939; whether during such periods the prisoners have any fresh air, contacts or adequate attention; and whether any improvements have been made either by increased staff or better alternative arrangements;
(2) whether child labour is still allowed on plantations in West Indian islands and whether any figures can be given as to the extent and number of children involved; what are the number of hours worked per day, the wages therefor and the ages of the children concerned; whether there are any regulations governing such employment or any supervision to prevent abuses or ill-treatment by Government officers; and whether any welfare arrangements, as to rest pauses, canteens, food, shading sites, drying of wet clothes and medical attention exist for these child workers?
§ Mr. George HallInquiries are being made into the matters raised in the Questions, and when these have been completed I will communicate with my hon. Friend.