HC Deb 22 January 1947 vol 432 cc205-6
24. Vice-Admiral Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the general strike at Mombasa, Kenya Colony, by African employees.

Mr. Creech Jones

The strike of African employees at Mombasa began on 13th January and affects nearly all African labour at Mombasa, amounting approximately to 15,000 persons. Rumours of an impending strike began to circulate during the first week in January. The Labour Commissioner of Kenya immediately held a series of meetings with representatives of the Railway African Staff Union, employees of the biggest stevedore company in Mombasa and about 120 further African representatives of all other African employees on the island. A number of complaints were put forward at these meetings, and the Labour Commissioner was engaged in investigations on the bases of these when the strike started. Many of the representations at the meetings with the Labour Commissioner expressed themselves as being opposed to strike action, but it is evident from the subsequent developments that they were not able to influence the workers as a whole. The Kenya Government is at present doing everything pos- sible to persuade the strikers to return to work in order that their grievances may be properly investigated and where necessary remedied, but so far they have refused to do this until their grievances are met. The port is being kept open and all essential services maintained.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Were any instructions sent to Kenya with regard to amending trade union law so as to make a general strike legal?

Mr. Creech Jones

It must be remembered that a strike in itself is illegal, but the trade union law is being redrafted and improved. It should also be noted that the Government had already taken some action to improve conditions and, simultaneously with the declaration of strike—although the two events are not in any way connected—an announcement of a minimum wage was made.

Mr. Stanley

Is this an unofficial strike, or are the unions behind it?

Mr. Creech Jones

No, it is a very confused strike. There have been no demands, there is no union involved. It is a suffused feeling of disquiet, and the men simply refuse to work.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Is the Secretary of State aware that there is a growing feeling in the Colonial Empire that the general strike is now a popular weapon in view of the repeal of the Trade Disputes Act?

Vice-Admiral Taylor

May I ask the Minister, as this was a general strike, what action is being taken in the matter? Presumably it is illegal?

Mr. Creech Jones

The action taken is what I have said—every effort is being made to get the men to return to work. They have been asked to express their grievances in order that they should be examined, and all the essential services are being maintained.