HC Deb 27 July 1938 vol 338 c3083
24. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has now received reports from all the Colonial Governments on the subject of the circular sent to them last summer by his predecessor dealing with labour problems, trade union rights, and the establishment of labour departments and inspectorates; whether such information has been examined and collated; and whether it will be issued for the information of Parliament?

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

The replies to the circular despatch, which are not yet quite complete, are being considered as and when they are received, and I am in communication with a number of Colonial Governments in regard to specific questions raised. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

Mr. Creech Jones

Will the right hon. Gentleman be issuing a White Paper setting out, for the information of the House, all that has been done in the territories in respect of labour matters?

Mr. MacDonald

A good deal of that information was contained in the survey which was prepared and published by my predecessor. I will consider whether anything further is necessary at the present time.