§ 43. Mr. David Adamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, where wages of labour in the West Indies are below proper subsistence levels, it is now intended to put in force minimum wage ordinances?
§ Colonel StanleyI have no doubt that if any of the Governments concerned found that the wages paid in any occupation were inadequate to provide a proper subsistence level for the employees, having regard to the economic conditions prevailing, they would not hesitate to use the powers conferred by their minimum wage legislation, if collective bargaining proved abortive.
§ Mr. AdamsIs the Minister aware that there is a very long and scandalous list of districts and areas in the Colonies, particularly the West Indies, where the figures for labourers are lower than subsistence wages?
§ Colonel StanleyI should be glad to discuss any particular point with the hon. Member, but the general policy is to try to get these questions settled by collective bargaining first and, only if that fails, to make use of the new labour legislation which all Colonies possess.
§ Mr. SorensenWill the Minister look specialty into the matter and see whether the existing machinery is satisfactory?
§ Colonel StanleyI think the machinery is satisfactory, but we are always grateful to hear of cases where it may not be working properly.