§ 20. Mr. Prenticeasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what replies have been sent by the Tanganyika Sisal Owners' Association to the demands of the newly-formed National Union of Plantation Workers in Tanganyika for recognition of the union and various measures for the improvement of wages, working conditions, and housing; and whether this union is represented on the Consultative Labour Council of the Central Line Sisal Estates Limited.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe National Union of Plantation Workers, which to the best of my knowledge has submitted no formal proposals to the Tanganyika Sisal Growers' Association, has not yet applied for registration as a trade union and cannot, therefore, be offered formal recognition on the Consultative Labour Council of the Central Line Estates Limited.
§ Mr. PrenticeHas the attention of the Secretary of State been drawn to the meeting on 21st February between the existing unions, when it was decided that they would form themselves into a national union which, according to reports, would ask the Sisal Growers' Association for recognition and representation on the Consultative Labour Council? Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to encourage that recognition in order to promote good labour relations?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI understand that negotiations on such a proposal are now taking place between the Tanganyika Sisal Growers' Association and the Federation of Labour, and that there is the possibility that a Union of Sisal Workers, possibly affiliated to a National Union of Plantation Workers, may be recognised; but no final decision has yet been reached.