33. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that early last year a petition to the Governor of Trinidad on the subject of industrial conditions of public works employés from their trade union was referred to detectives of the Criminal Investigation Department, and that the petitioners were summoned to the police station and questioned on matter irrelevant to the petition; whether this is the practice in respect to such petitions; and, if so, on what grounds it is justified?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI have received a report on this subject from the Officer Administering the Government of Trinidad. As it is rather long I will, with the 332 hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. PalingWill the recommendation relating to trade unions made by the commission recently in Trinidad apply to public works employés?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreThe petition as to the conditions of public works employés was received from four persons calling themselves a union.
§ Mr. PalingWill the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that detectives will not be employed on such work in the future?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreNo, Sir. When four unknown persons claim to represent a union which is not registered and the existence of which is not known, it is necessary to make inquiries as to who they are and whom they represent.
Following is the report:The Officer Administering the Government of Trinidad reports that in December, 1936, a petition addressed to the late Governor and signed by four persons was received from an organisation styled 'The Workers' Association Committee, Public Works Department.' This organisation was not registered as a trade union and nothing was known of it in the Department. The petition was referred to the police for inquiries as to the identity and bona fidesof the Committee, and records show that inquiry was made from workers on that matter only. It was ascertained that the Committee was a very loose organisation which could not be regarded as representing more than a few workers. The petitioners were advised to submit their representations through the Head of the Department.On the 15th March, 1937, a further petition was submitted by the same Committee through the Head of the Department. Their representations were considered and replied to.On the 3rd September, 1937, the same Committee was granted permission to form a trade union styled the 'Public Works Workers Trade Union' and the Union was registered on the 26th November, 1937.It is not the practice to refer petitions to the police unless the identity and bona fidesof the petitioners are in doubt, as in the case mentioned.