62. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the cause of the recent disturbances in Trinidad and the reason for so grave a loss of life; and what steps are being taken to remove the legitimate grievances of the natives concerned?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made yesterday in reply to the hon. Members for Tamworth (Sir J. Mellor), Durham (Mr. Ritson) and Consett (Mr. David Adams) to which I have nothing at present to add.
Mr. Creech JonesI am aware of that statement, but what I want to know is whether there will be an independent and searching inquiry into the cause of these disturbances. Quite apart from any industrial settlement that may be arrived at, can we not have an inquiry into the social and industrial grievances?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI must consider that. When the troubles are over, I undertook that there would be an inquiry. The composition and the terms of reference of the inquiry I shall have to consider in due course.
§ Mr. LeachWhen will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give an answer if another question is put down?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreWhen I hear what has happened in Trinidad, in the course of the next few days, or possibly weeks.