HC Deb 27 July 1937 vol 326 cc2865-6
85. Mr. Chorlton

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the companies in Trinidad propose to maintain special private guards to protect the white women and children on the oil fields and estates?

Lieut.-Colonel Sir A. Lambert Ward (Treasurer of the Household)

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Governor of Trinidad reports that no such proposal is under consideration. The Governor himself is taking steps to organise the local defence forces on a wider basis in consultation with the managers of the companies and estates concerned.

86. Mr. Chorlton

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to a speech by the Acting Colonial Secretary, made in the Trinidad Legislature, in which expression was given by him to extreme views which seriously invalidate the impartiality of his official position; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Sir A. Lambert Ward

The attention of my right hon. Friend has been drawn to certain expressions which are said to have been used by the Acting Colonial Secretary of Trinidad in a speech in the Legislative Council. He has not, however, yet received a copy of the full text of this speech and cannot therefore make any comment upon it at present.