HC Deb 18 June 1951 vol 489 cc33-6
Mr. Peter Smithers

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a state- ment in regard to the situation in Antigua in view of the despatch of troops to that island to maintain order.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. James Griffiths)

After stoppages of work during May, the Antigua Trade and Labour Union and the Employers' Federation agreed to a resumption of work pending the report of a Board of Inquiry set up by the Governor to inquire into the causes of the various disputes that have disrupted industrial relations in the Island this year, and to make such recommendations as they see fit. This Inquiry began on 11 th June. Work is now going on almost normally.

Meanwhile, however, disorderly crowds gathered outside the courts during the preliminary hearings last week of two cases arising from the stoppages. Two policemen were injured and there was reason to fear that there might be further disorders at the final hearings. As a precaution two platoons of troops were flown to Antigua last Thursday. The cases have not yet been concluded and feeling is running high. There have, however, been no serious incidents since the troops arrived.

The frequent recurrence of industrial disputes in Antigua during recent months has caused me much concern, and I had welcomed the agreement on a resumption of work and the appointment of an impartial Board of Inquiry. I am confident that all responsible persons in the Island will use all their influence to ensure that the prospects. of achieving an enduring settlement are not endangered in the meantime by disorder and intimidation.

Mr. Smithers

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, quite apart from trade disputes, the vast majority of West Indians are loyal and law-abiding people who wish to live their lives in peace? Can he therefore assure the House that West Indian Governments will have his full support in taking any measures necessary to maintain the rule of law, because they look to us for that rule of law to be maintained?

Mr. Griffiths

Yes, I am equally anxious to remove the root causes of these industrial disturbances and to improve industrial relationships. I hope that the Board of Inquiry will be allowed to complete its work, and then we shall study its findings with great care.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that while it is recognised that labour problems play a part in disturbances in the West Indian Islands, there is a growing feeling among informed people that there is not enough concentration upon the simple problem of maintaining law and order? Will he therefore undertake to reconsider re-forming the West Indian Regiment?

Mr. Griffiths

That is another matter. What I am disturbed about is that recently there have been large numbers of industrial disputes. I am anxious that we should improve in every possible way the means and the machinery by which these disputes can be settled. It was because the Governor thought that too that he set up this Board of Inquiry. I believe that it is best to try to get rid of the root causes.

Mr. Eden

Did not the Governor himself draw attention to this serious situation, to the apparent lack of respect for law and order, and to the scores of people living in the island under a sense of fear? Are not his words worthy of receiving attention?

Mr. Griffiths

They were receiving attention and that is why two platoons were flown to Antigua last Thursday.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Can the Minister say from what garrison these troops were sent?

Mr. Griffiths

Not without notice.

Mr. Gammans

Can the Minister assure the House that the troops will not be removed from the island as long as there is any danger of a breakdown of law and order?

Mr. Griffiths

That is a matter which I shall leave to the discretion and judgment of the Governor.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

In view of the fact that this is the second lamentable statement which the right hon. Gentleman has been forced by events to make, and in view of the widespread loyalty among the mass of the people in the West Indian islands to the British association, can he not look again into the question of reforming some of the loyal elements in the West Indian Regiment, which would play its part in maintaining law and order and not involve the right hon. Gentleman in these sudden alarms and excursions?

Mr. Griffiths

I think I am entitled to ask for notice of that supplementary question about re-forming the West Indian Regiment. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that down. At the same time, I think it would be dangerous to assume that because people strike they are being disloyal.

Mr. Monslow

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a display of force is no solution for the settlement of industrial disputes?

Mr. Smithers

While sympathising with the desire of the right hon. Gentleman to get to the bottom of industrial disputes, may I ask if he does not think that in some cases he has mistaken for an industrial dispute what was simply a plain riot and ought to have been dealt with accordingly?

Mr. Griffiths

In this island there have been in recent months a large number of disputes, and for that reason a Board of Inquiry has been set up. I am anxious that there should be order everywhere while the Board of Inquiry is sitting. That is why these two platoons were flown in last week.