§ 39. Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the attitude of the Colonial Office to the demand for an unemployment insurance scheme in Trinidad and other West Indian Colonies; and whether his Department has under consideration the recommendation of unemployment insurance schemes in the West Indian Colonies generally where local circumstances are suitable?
§ Colonel StanleyThis question formed the subject of paragraph 10 (g) of the Recommendations of the West India Royal Commission (Command Paper 6174) The matter falls to be considered by Governments concerned and the Comptroller for Development and Welfare in the West Indies, in consultation. The Comptroller has been asked to report progress in this matter. I am aware that the Legislative Council of Trinidad passed a Resolution last December, calling for the appointment of a Committee to consider this question, amongst others. My attitude towards any scheme submitted to me which was limited to undertakings organised on a system of regular employment, would be entirely favourable.
§ Mr. RileyDoes that mean that the Secretary of State has in view the introduction of schemes of insurance in those West Indian Colonies, where they are suitable, on a similar basis to that obtaining in this country—a tripartite basis, involving the worker, the employer and the State?
§ Colonel StanleyI am not laying down details of these schemes at the moment, but I am very much in favour of the recommendation of the Royal Commission that where there is a system of regular employment such schemes should be introduced.