§ 8. Mr. N. Pannellasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the recent closing down and abandonment of certain gold mines in the Gold Coast as the result of strike action, he will consider having consultations with the Trades Union Congress with a view to sending a commission to the Gold Coast to advise on steps to be taken to avoid a repetition of such incidents.
§ Mr. HareA board of inquiry, set up by the Government of the Gold Coast, has recently investigated the economic condition of the gold mining industry. Sir Will Lawther was a member of the board. The board has not yet reported.
§ Mr. PannellIs my right hon. Friend aware that such incidents as this, involving the loss of British capital, will discourage the investment of further capital in the Gold Coast and, in particular, might prejudice the River Volta scheme, upon which the future prosperity of the Gold Coast depends? Will he continue to do everything possible to produce a different attitude of mind amongst trade unions in the Gold Coast?
§ Mr. HareI am certain that my right hon. Friend and I will do all we can to ensure that as good relations as possible exist between employers and trade unions in the Gold Coast.
§ Mr. BrockwayWould not the representatives of the Trades Union Congress be likely to exert more influence if the employers in the gold mines allowed them to visit the gold mines and enter into consultation with the workers there?
§ Mr. HareI hope that when the board has reported it will be possible for a better relationship to be established between the trade unions and the employers concerned.