HC Deb 17 March 1948 vol 448 cc2063-4
2. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any action will be taken legislatively or otherwise to secure wage and salary improvements for West Africans working for private business concerns, particularly in view of the great disparity in amounts paid to West Africans and Europeans, respectively.

Mr. Creech Jones

The general policy in all four Colonies is to encourage the fixing of minimum wages and conditions of service by collective agreements freely negotiated between trade unions which are representative of the workers concerned and employers or employers' organisations. Where no adequate arrangements exist for the negotiation of collective agreements, arrangements have been made for the establishment of statutory machinery whereby minimum rates of wages and conditions of service can be fixed.

Mr. Sorensen

In regard to the last sentence of my Question, does not my right hon. Friend think that this disparity exists as between West Africans and Europeans, and that though they may be performing the same- job they are paid with striking dissimilarity?

Mr. Creech Jones

There is an obvious disparity but we are anxious to leave most of these negotiations to the organisations concerned. In any case the Government themselves have given a lead.

Mr. Sorensen

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that as far as Government employees are concerned, the Government are active, but that the trade unions are weak in West Africa? Could not the Government give a lead in regard to other employers?

Mr. Creech Jones

I am sure the Question and answer will receive publicity in West Africa.