HC Deb 15 December 1937 vol 330 cc1149-50
33. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what immediate steps are being taken in Trinidad to meet the increasing unrest among sections of the working population now suffering from hardship due to the rising cost of living and onerous conditions of employment?

34. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the continued industrial unrest in Trinidad owing to the low wage-rates and the demand for a 25 per cent. increase thereof; and whether he will initiate or advise an impartial inquiry into the grievances?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I have received no representations from the Colony on the matters referred to in these questions. As regards the establishment of suitable machinery for the settlement of such industrial disputes, I propose to await the report of the recent Commission of Inquiry which has already investigated the causes of the labour unrest. Their report is expected shortly.

Mr. Creech Jones

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable unrest, that may break out again, and that while we are waiting for the Royal Commission to report a considerable time may elapse?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I do not think so. I think everybody is expecting the report of this Commission very shortly, and that has caused a recrudescence of unrest of certain kinds; but the only actual incident of which I know was a temporary strike in a sugar factory. That has been settled, and everybody is back.

Mr. Sorensen

May we have a special inquiry into the wages paid in Trinidad?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

That has just been done by the Commission.

Mr. Sorensen

When will the report be published?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

It will be published as part of their report. As I say, it is practically complete now, but it will have to go out to Trinidad from here for the signature of the two local members.