54. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information as to whether the Governor of Barbadoes has brought into review the sentences on leaders of the workers involved in the disturbances some months ago in that Colony?
Mr. Creech JonesAre there any means whereby representations can be made for a revision of these sentences, in view of their excessive severity, merely for organising trade unions and bringing about combination among the workers themselves?
Mr. MacDonaldThis is a matter which must be left to the discretion of the Governor of the Colony concerned.
Mr. Creech JonesIn view of the fact that sentences of 10 years hard labour have been imposed simply because the people were organising the workers, cannot some representations be made to the Governor?
§ Mr. C. S. TaylorIs it not a fact that these leaders caused considerable bloodshed in the Colony and deserved the sentences they got?
§ Mr. James GriffithsIn present circumstances when the question of Colonial possessions is being discussed, is it not very important that the principle of organisation of the workers should be maintained?
Mr. MacDonaldI think that is so, and I have confidence in the discretion of the Governor in putting that principle into practice.