26. Dr. Morganasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the particulars sent to him of intimidation and oppression in St. Kitts, practised by the admin- 1043 istration there against trade union officials and organisers who were threatened with internment; and whether, before any trade union official is so interned he will incorporate in local colonial defence regulations the right of appeal to a special tribunal in Britain within a specified period?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Harold Macmillan)With regard to the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams) on 4th March. With regard to the second part of the Question, any person detained under Defence Regulations has the right to lodge an objection to an advisory committee. My Noble Friend does not consider that it is practicable or desirable to provide for appeal to a tribunal in this country.
Dr. MorganIn any local regulations which are made, will an attempt be made to ensure that there is no despotism by local officials against trade union organisations?
§ Mr. MacmillanI cannot accept the suggestion contained in that question.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Minister not aware that the day for treating natives as under-dogs has gone?