33. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to cases of victimisation and intimidation for trade union activity on certain estates in British 2183 Guiana; and will he direct the Government of the Colony to make clear to the employers concerned that it will not tolerate any interference with the principle of free association and the proper functioning of trade unions?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI have ascertained from the Governor that complaints have been made that in a few cases on two estates labourers who had been prominent in trade union activities were given notices to quit. The employesr stated that these notices were given because the men were unsatisfactory workers who had been neglecting or deliberately slowing down their work, and that they were given notice on this account and not because of their connection with the union. As regards the second part of the question, it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to encourage the growth of sound trade unionism in the Colonies.
§ Mr. SorensenWhat action is the right hon. Gentleman likely to take in regard to this matter?
Mr. MacDonaldThe answer to the question was that these men had been dismissed for a perfectly proper reason.
Mr. Creech JonesWill the Colonial Government make a definite declaration that it is the policy of His Majesty's Government that such trades-union organisers should be protected and that the excuses in regard to victimisation are so much camouflage?
Mr. MacDonaldIt is impossible to agree with the latter part of the hon. Gentleman's question. In regard to the former part, it has been expressed again and again, and I will repeat, that it is our policy to encourage the development of sound trade unionism in the Colonies generally.