HC Deb 04 March 1953 vol 512 cc380-1
25. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will recommend the Singapore and Malayan Legislative Councils to introduce legislation at an early date on wages councils and workmen's compensation so as to bring them more into line with the labour legislation of Great Britain.

Mr. Lyttelton

Legislation on wages councils already exists in Malaya, and it is expected that the Singapore Wages Council Bill will have its Third Reading later this month. A revised Workmen's Compensation Ordinance was passed in Malaya last December and a draft Bill to revise the existing workmen's compensation law is now being considered in Singapore.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Minister aware there have been strikes and threats of strikes in Singapore and Malaya during the past 12 months, and that the establishment and enforcement of such legislation would have the effect of reducing them to a minimum? Will the Minister do everything possible to implement the wages councils as quickly as possible?

Mr. Lyttelton

A Wages Council Ordinance already exists in Malaya, and the Third Reading is about to take place for one in Singapore.