HC Deb 17 May 1950 vol 475 cc1215-6
64. Mr. Donner

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the situation in the Leeward Islands arising from the dock strike.

Mr. J. Griffiths

The strike was called by the Antigua Trades and Labour Union on 3rd April. After repeated attempts at conciliation had been made the Governor intervened personally, and on 5th May work was resumed with the agreement of both parties to the establishment of a Port Labour Committee. During the last week of the strike work in the sugar factory and on harvesting had to be stopped owing to congestion of storage space. It is, nevertheless, hoped that the whole crop can be harvested before the autumn rains.

Mr. Donner

In view of the serious situation in these Islands, culminating in the resignation of the Governor, will the right hon. Gentleman say what instructions the Governor had to interfere effectively and why did he not do it in time?

Mr. Griffiths

The Governor intervened very quickly, and as a consequence this strike was settled.

Sir H. Williams

Was the Governor victimised?

Mr. Donner

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the strike stopped before the Governor intervened?

Mr. Griffiths

His intervention was successful, and we ought to be glad of that.