§ 41. Mr. Piratinasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the widespread opposition in the Sudan to the Trade Union Ordinance of 1948; and what steps does he propose to take to see that the provisions objected to are withdrawn.
§ Mr. MayhewI am aware that certain elements in the Sudan have criticised this ordinance, and that this criticism culminated in a one-day protest strike on 15th March. A full explanation of the provisions of the ordinance has since been given to its critics. The ordinance is, in fact, in accordance with the best trade union practice in democratic countries, and I understand that the British Trades Union Congress consider it to be fair and worthy of acceptance by the Sudanese.
§ Mr. PiratinCan the Minister say whether this prevents the formation of 830 large unions by breaking them down into small local unions?
§ Mr. MayhewI can only say that it is fully approved by the T.U.C. I believe that point is fully covered.