HC Deb 09 March 1949 vol 462 cc1178-80
35. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is now in a position to make a complete statement of his recent discussions with the Governor of the Leeward Islands.

Mr. Creech Jones

On 16th January, I informed the Governor by telegram that I was becoming concerned over the situation in the Leeward Islands, and that I thought it might be necessary for him to come to London for personal discussion. On 17th January I asked him to come over as soon as possible, and he left Antigua on 31st January, arriving in London on 12th February. I had for some time been anxious lest the sugar cropping season, due to start last month, should be attended by further strikes such as took place in 1948 and inflicted very serious losses on all concerned in the industry and on the general economy of Antigua and St. Christopher-Nevis, the two Presidencies immediately concerned. Arbitration in St. Kitts, agreed by both parties after last year's strike, upon certain outstanding points had not been completed in January last, and I was disturbed by the absence of adequate reports upon the industrial situation and upon various other important aspects of the administration. These included the presentation of the Colony's ten-year development plan, which has been awaited for some time, and the problem of constitutional reform.

These matters have been fully discussed with the Governor during his visit, and I have indicated to him my views upon the policy to be pursued and the measures to be taken to promote public confidence in the administration. Lord Baldwin is shortly returning to resume his duties as Governor. The ten-year plan has now been forwarded by the Acting Governor, and is under examination in the Colonial Office. The findings of the arbitrator in the matters referred to him after the St. Kitts strike last year have been promulgated in the Presidency. My views on the question of the constitution have been communicated to the Acting Governor by despatch and will shortly be published. Lord Baldwin has expressed to me his unqualified regret at the nature of statements attributed to him in certain organs of the Press after his arrival in this country.

Mr. Gammans

Does the right hon. Gentleman approve of a Colonial Governor who is still serving making such statements as, "You see what happens if I do not go back?" "The scandalous rush with which I was recalled" scarcely fits in with what the right hon. Gentleman has just said and with the fact that Lord Baldwin was forced to live in Guadeloupe; and as the honour of the Colonial Service is involved, will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he would have tolerated that from a Governor who was not appointed for political reasons?

Mr. Creech Jones

First of all, there is no clear evidence that these statements were made by Lord Baldwin; indeed, Lord Baldwin has repudiated those statements which have appeared in the Press in regard to his administration.

Mr. Lewis

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the fact that progressive people throughout the world will be pleased to know that my noble Friend is returning to the Leeward Islands, and will he give an assurance that there are no strings attached to his return?

Mr. Creech Jones

I really do not understand what that question means.

Mr. Stanley

In view of the answer which the right hon. Gentleman has just given, why did he have to make such a mystery about this when it was raised in the House three weeks ago? Has not his handling of the situation only given rise to the most unfortunate impression that in fact he wanted to get rid of Lord Baldwin and that he has not dared to do so?

Mr. Creech Jones

I think I have made no mystery whatsoever in regard to Lord Baldwin's coming to this country. I asked Lord Baldwin if he would come to this country in order to discuss the problems of administration of his territory, which is a perfectly normal procedure in regard to Colonial Governorships, as the right hon. Gentleman is fully aware.

Mr. Stanley

But the right hon. Gentleman will recollect that on that occasion I asked him whether Lord Baldwin would be returning and it was on that question that he made such a mystery.

Mr. Creech Jones

I made no mystery whatsoever. I said that there were a number of problems which were perplexing me in regard to the administration of the territory, that I had formed no judgment in regard to those problems and would make no statement in regard to the future of the Governorship of the Leeward Islands until I had had the opportunity of the fullest examination of all the problems involved.