HC Deb 29 April 1953 vol 514 cc2135-6
23. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to establish wage negotiating machinery for the 40,000 workers in the tin mining industry of Malaya.

Mr. Lyttelton

It is the policy of the Government of the Federation to improve the machinery of collective bargaining in the tin mining industry by encouraging the growth of sound trade unions.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Minister aware that even if we destroyed the bandits and won the war in Malaya, if we lose the confidence of the people in the tin mines and on the plantations we shall have lost Malaya? In order to create confidence and to maintain it, it is necessary to have a wage negotiating machine that will give the men confidence that they will get a square deal. Will the Minister take the initiative in establishing this machine in the tin mines of Malaya?

Mr. Lyttelton

In reply to the hon. Member's Second Reading speech on this matter, may I say—[HON. MEMBERS: "Cheap!"]—that the Government can only provide the machinery for the setting up of trade unions. It rests with the employees themselves to make use of the machinery.

Mr. Awbery

May I ask that the Minister, if he cannot answer a supplementary question, will not be insulting?

Mr. Lyttelton

I did answer the question. All the Government can do is to try to provide the machinery, and that they have done.

Mr. Awbery

Will the Government take the initiative and encourage the setting up of the machinery in the tin mines of Malaya?

Mr. Lyttelton

The Government have set up the machinery. They cannot themselves form the trade unions. They have provided the necessary machinery but they must let the movement take place spontaneously.