§ 22. 22. Mr. Palingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any 1964 information about the labour trouble between the harbour workers and employers at Port Louis, Mauritius; whether the employers are seeking to get the loading and unloading of cargoes done at prices considerably below the ruling rates; and whether the profit-sharing scheme formed in 1938 has been suspended?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI have received no information suggesting that there is any labour trouble between the harbour workers and employers at Port Louis or that the employers are seeking to reduce loading and unloading charges. As regards the last part of the Question, I understand that a company was formed in 1938 with a view to undertaking stevedoring work at Port Louis on a profit-sharing basis, but my information suggests that they have not been successful in obtaining any material share of the business. I may add that a commission has been appointed by a resolution of the Legislature in Mauritius to study the whole question of harbour administration and charges as part of a general examination of the transport system in the Colony.
§ Mr. PalingWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether this labour trouble is in actual being, as I have very definite information to that effect?
Mr. MacDonaldI will certainly make inquiries, and perhaps it would help me if the hon. Member would let me have the information at his disposal.
Mr. Creech JonesI take it from the reply to this Question that this is a perfectly genuine industrial agitation and is not due to Communist activities?