HC Deb 12 July 1944 vol 401 cc1724-5
21. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether more attention will be paid to labour policy in Kenya; whether his labour adviser or a labour expert on trade unionism, industrial legislation, labour protection and ancillary subjects will be sent to survey and report and discuss such problems with interested parties; and whether he will now consider suitable legislation on workmen's compensation.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Colonel Oliver Stanley)

I can assure my hon. Friend that the Government of Kenya is fully aware of the importance of a sound labour policy. As regards the second part of the Question, my Labour Adviser has not long returned from visits to the West African Colonies and to the United States, where he attended the meeting of the International Labour Office, and he has necessarily to deal with substantial arrears of work, but I will certainly consider my hon. Friend's suggestion. On workmen's compensation, I cannot at present add to the reply given to a Question by my hon. Friend on 22nd September last.

Lieut.-Colonel Dower

Is the Minister aware that such a visit would be welcomed by the Kenya Government?

Colonel Stanley

I have said that I would consider the suggestion.

Mr. Petherick

Would not my right hon. and gallant Friend agree that although it is important to have labour advisers in the Colonies to collect information and give help, if it is required, it is not the job of the Government or the labour advisers either to hamper or to push trade unionism?

Mr. Creech Jones

Is the Minister aware that not only the Press in Kenya but settlers and all concerned are asking that such a move should be made by the Government here?

Mr. de Rothschild

In view of the great difficulties of this question and its great importance, and as labour disputes in Kenya have an adverse effect on our system, will the Minister give his personal attention to this matter in order to smooth over the difficulties?

Colonel Stanley

I do not know to what difficulties the hon. Member is referring; the question is an important one in which I take a personal interest, and had an opportunity of discussing at some length when I visited the territory

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