HC Deb 11 April 1951 vol 486 cc1014-5
44. Mr. Braine

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action has been taken or is contemplated in respect of compensation for damage caused to property during the recent disturbances in Grenada.

69. Mr. Lennox-Boyd

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement about the present situation in Grenada.

Mr. J. Griffiths

I am glad to report that as a result of the negotiations between the Agricultural Employers' Society and the Grenada Mental and Manual Workers' Union, under independent chairmanship, settlement has been reached between the parties concerned and was embodied in a formal agreement signed on 9th April. Similar agreement between employers and the Trade Union Council may be signed this week. The favourable outcome of these negotiations will, I trust, lay the basis for the settlement of any future differences by methods of negotiation and conciliation. The question whether there are grounds for any ex gratia payments for rehabilitation in cases of special hardship is one for the Grenada Government.

Mr. Braine

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that much of the damage caused was aggravated by the failure of the police to deal with the situation, a fact borne out by the dismissal of the police chief; and is there not a clear moral obligation on the authorities to give speedy and effective compensation?

Mr. Griffiths

There is no legal responsibility, that is clear. As I have said, the question of whether there should be an ex gratia payment is one for the local government to consider and decide.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

As the preservation of law and order is and will remain of the utmost importance, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the police forces in the Island are adequate? Will he look again at the question of the re-formation of the West Indian Regiment to play its part there and elsewhere in the preservation of law and order?

Mr. Griffiths

I am giving consideration to that and to every other aspect of the problem in consultation with the Governor.

Mr. Harrison

Will my right hon. Friend use his influence to see that where compensation payments are made, or contemplated, hardship should not arise to those persons receiving payment?

Mr. Griffiths

I have said that that is a matter for the local Government to decide.

Mr. P. Smithers

Can the Secretary of State say how many prosecutions have taken place in connection with the disorders?

Mr. Griffiths

Not without notice.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Will the terms of the agreement when settled be published, and, if so, will the right hon. Gentleman cause a copy to be laid in the Library?

Mr. Griffiths

Yes, Sir. The agreement has not yet reached me, but I will consider putting a copy in the Library when I have received it.