§ 13. Mr. H. Hyndasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action is being taken in Uganda to assist the formation of trade unions; and how far registration of a trade union is compulsory before the union is allowed to negotiate on the wages and conditions of its members.
§ Mr. LytteltonEvery possible help is given by the Uganda Government to those wishing to form trade unions and the staff of the Labour Department includes an officer with experience of trade 2072 unions in this country. Recognition of trade unions for purposes of negotiation is a matter for individual employers, but the law requires trade unions to register if they are to have full legal protection.
§ Mr. HyndDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that this labour officer is sufficient, he being a civil servant? Would not the right hon. Gentleman consider appointing a trade union adviser, as we have in most Colonies, in view of the danger of adventurers setting up unrepresentative and unofficial bodies claiming to be trade unions speaking for the bulk of the workers?
§ Mr. LytteltonI should like to give as sympathetic an answer as I can. The principle is not so easy to follow in a Colony with a background of agriculture, as this has at present.