§ 15. Mr. Allaunasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that domestic and agricultural workers, comprising the majority of Bahamas wage-earners, are still prevented from joining trade unions by the Trade Union Act, 1943; and what steps he proposes to take to end this ban.
§ Mr. ProfumoA Select Committee of the Bahamas House of Assembly is at present considering legislation designed to remove restrictions imposed on these workers by the Trade Unions Act of 1943.
§ Mr. AllaunDoes the Minister remember that eight months ago he told me that the Bahamas Government intended to introduce legislation to end this ban? How much longer is it to continue?
§ Mr. ProfumoThat legislation has since been introduced and is now before a Select Committee of the House of Assembly, which is expected to report in the very near future.
§ Mr. D. JonesIs it not the case that recently two civil servants were sent to the Bahamas from the Colonial Office, that they made a report and that report was submitted by the right hon. Gentleman to the Governor and came before the Legislative Council, which rejected it with contempt?
§ Mr. ProfumoNo, Sir, the recommendations that were made for changes are those which the Government now have in mind.