§ 41. Mr. Dumpletonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will now appoint a commission to review all trade union legislation in Colonial territories and to make recommendations for revision and reform where such appears to be desirable.
Mr. Creech JonesI do not think that such a general commission would serve a useful purpose. Trade union legislation in the Colonial Territories is continually being reviewed; the general object of policy with regard to such legislation is to provide in each Colony a legislative framework, based on United Kingdom legislation and suited to local conditions, within which a healthy and responsible trade union movement can grow.
§ Mr. DumpletonIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that the various trade union ordinances in the Colonies are keeping pace with the practice in this country, and would it not be as well to have a complete review of trade union legislation?.
Mr. Creech JonesThe examination of existing legislation shows that in most territories it has been brought into line with the legislation in this country.
Major LloydIs it not of the utmost importance that the Government should recommend in any reforms of this character that the trade unions should not indulge in politics or in political ideologies as they have done here.