HC Deb 26 May 1943 vol 389 cc1549-50
11. Mr. Riley

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information regarding the provisions of the new legislation relating to the hours of shop assistants recently passed by the Bahamas House of Assembly; whether the provisions in this new legislation meet with his approval; and whether it was supported by the Government of the Bahamas?

Colonel Stanley

The Bill in question-was introduced into the Bahamas House of Assembly at the instance of a Select Committee of the House. I have not yet received the text of the law from the Governor and his observations on it.

Mr. Riley

Did not this new legislation arise out of the recommendations of the Commission on the Bahamas, and was it not introduced by the Government and turned down by the Representative Assembly? Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman look into the reasons which were given for its being turned down?

Colonel Stanley

I am afraid that there must be some misunderstanding. The Bill to which the hon. Member refers was not introduced by the Government. It was introduced as the result of a Select Committee of the House itself, and I am awaiting both the Bill and the Governor's report on it.

Mr.Riley

Was it not supported by the Government and turned down by the Assembly?

Colonel Stanley

I have not heard that.