TRINIDAD.

HC Deb 10 November 1937 vol 328 cc1754-6

24 and 28. Mr. David Adams

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) what is the present position in Trinidad;

(2) on what grounds the Governor of Trinidad has requested the dispatch of troops to that Colony, to be paid for by the Colony; and what conditions will have to be fulfilled before these troops will be withdrawn?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I am glad to say that there have been no further disturbances in Trinidad. Recently a strike occurred at a sugar factory, but it came to an end early and without disorder. Nevertheless, a considerable amount of tension exists, and may be expected to continue pending the publication of the Commission's report. In this connection I would invite reference to the announcement made by the Governor on 2nd November, a copy of which is being placed in the Library of the House. From this it will be seen that the duration of the stay of the troops will depend upon circumstances. I do not feel able to lay down precise conditions precedent to their withdrawal.

Mr. Lunn

Has the right hon. Gentleman heard anything of a charge of incitement to disaffection made by the Governor against a member of the Legislative Council?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

No, I have not.

Mr. Adams

When is the Commission expected to report?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

Two members of the Commission have now returned to this country, and the third is on his way. They have made considerable headway with the preparation of the report, and I expect it some time next month.

Miss Wilkinson

Can we have an undertaking from the Government that the presence of British troops there is not being used to overawe people who are making a perfectly legitimate protest against low wages?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

It has nothing to do with that. The hon. Lady will remember that there was, in connection with an industrial dispute, very serious loss of life and acts of violence, including the burning of a police office, and it is felt by the Government that that is not the right way to conduct industrial negotiations and that it is essential to prevent sabotage and violence.

Miss Wilkinson

But is anything being done to improve the low wages as well as to prevent acts of violence?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

Yes a Commission of Inquiry has been out, and will make proposals.

Mr. Gallacher

How is it that when there is trouble of this kind and when a person on one side is killed it is always murder, but if a worker is killed it is not murder?