HC Deb 14 July 1937 vol 326 cc1241-3
34. Mr. Riley

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement regarding the recent labour dispute in Trinidad, including the cause of the dispute, the number of persons killed and injured, and the terms of the settlement?

35. Mr. Leach

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the figures and other particulars of the minimum wage enactment recently promulgated in Trinidad?

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)

The causes of the dispute will form a matter for inquiry by the commission which I propose to appoint. According to the information which I have received, the total number of persons killed during the disturbances has been 11, two of whom were police and nine rioters: three police were also injured. There has been no legal enactment of a minimum wage. As the terms of settlement, including the fixing of minimum wage rates for Government workers, involve a number of figures, I am circulating a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Riley

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the dispute has been entirely settled?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The workers are back at work, and it has been settled on a temporary basis. An undertaking has been given that a Commission will be appointed, three members to be appointed from here and two from Trinidad, to go out to Trinidad and investigate the whole matter.

Mr. Leach

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me any figures associated with the minimum wage?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

No, Sir, not without notice.

Mr. Creech Jones

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider including within the terms of reference of the Commission a question relating to the industrial rights of the workers when they are engaged in disputes?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I think I have already published the Terms of Reference.

Mr. George Griffiths

Is it not a fact that they are getting is. 8d. a day now?

Following is the statement:

Wages throughout the Colony were cut during the world depression, and in some instances hours were lengthened, and original wages and hours have been restored only in part. The Government wage for unskilled labour in Port of Spain was reduced from 60 cents and 70 cents to 56 cents and 60 cents, and has remained at that level. The unskilled wage outside Port of Spain was reduced to 50 cents for men and 30 cents for women. Recently there has been an estimated increase of 17 per cent. in the cost of foodstuffs and necessaries. The new minimum rates for Government workers are 72 cents in Port of Spain and 60 cents for men and 36 cents for women outside. The week has been reduced from 54 to 45 hours. Wages of Government agricultural workers remain to be settled. In April a 13 per cent. increase was given to labour at one estate. Prior to the strike the Governor was negotiating for a minimum rate of 72 cents in the oil industry. This has now been granted. Apart from agriculture, other employers have been following suit.

The Governor has publicly asked employers to discuss with representatives of their workers any representations which the latter may wish to make. He has also undertaken that differences thereafter outstanding will be examined by the Committee of the Executive Council, and, if necessary, referred to himself. The employers have concurred in this procedure and the men have return to work on that understanding. The Governor reports that the Committee's mediation is proving invaluable.