Mr. Creech Jones:

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what difficulties continue to prevent, in Nigeria and other West African Colonies, legislation governing employers' liability and workmen's compensation?

Mr. M. MacDonald:

The preparation of the Nigerian draft Bill has now been completed, and the Governor informs me that he hopes to introduce it at the March Session of the Legislative Council. Draft Bills have also been prepared in the Gold Coast and Sierra Leone.

Mr. Creech Jones:

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether he will see that some progress is made with these Bills, seeing that this question of legislation has been raised in these Colonies for two or three years and nothing has been done?

Mr. MacDonald:

I hope progress will be made in the case of Nigeria in the March session of the Legislative Council. With regard to the Drafts for the other Colonies they are coming over now for examination.

When the Bills are passed will the right hon. Gentleman see that they are made effective for the workmen in the Colony?

Mr. MacDonald:

Certainly.