16. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the recent proposals for trade unionism in Malaya include the legalising of trade unions in line with the proposals of the Royal Commission on the West Indies?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe Straits Settlements Trade Union Ordinance, 1940, and the Federated Malay States Trade Union Bill contain provision prohibiting actions of tort against trade unions on the lines of the United Kingdom Trade Disputes Act, 1906. They also provide for the compulsory registration of trade unions and the audit of their funds. They do not include provision legalising peaceful picketing, but the enactment of separate legislation on this subject is under consideration by the two Governments.
Mr. Creech JonesIs it the desire of the Secretary of State that peaceful picketing should be legalised?
Mr. MacDonaldI do not think I could make any public statement while this matter is under consideration by the two Governments.