HC Deb 12 March 1947 vol 434 c1300
13. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will consider arranging for a Parliamentary delegation, with members who have trade union experience, to visit Trinidad.

Mr. Creech Jones

I appreciate my hon. Friend's suggestion, but after careful consideration I have reached the conclusion that at this juncture the interests of the workers in Trinidad will best be served by a visit from an experienced trades unionist for informal local conversations. After consultation with the Trades Union Congress, I have arranged for Mr. F. W. Dalley, lately assistant secretary of the Railway Clerks Association, to visit the colony for this purpose.

Sir Waldron Smithers

Is this not another opportunity for holidays with pay?

Mr. Wilkes

Is the Minister aware that what is needed in Trinidad is not so much a new delegation or a new commission with new recommendations, but that the very adequate and practical recommendations of the 1937 Commission should be implemented?

Mr. Creech Jones

A great deal of water has passed under the bridges since 1937 and social and economic conditions are different, but I think that if my hon. Friend will refer back to a reply I gave a week ago he will find that many of his wishes are met.