§ 41. Mr. Prenticeasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent it is the intention of the Government of Northern Rhodesia that offences connected with picketing in trades disputes will be dealt with in future under the penal code instead of under the Trade Disputes Act.
§ Mr. ProfumoNot at all; provision for picketing in trade disputes is made under Section 25 of the Trade Unions and Trade Disputes Ordinance, 1949.
§ Mr. PrenticeHas not the attention of the Minister been drawn to the Penal Code Amendment Order, 1957, which, among other things, raises the penalties for picketing and also extends the scope for prosecutions by making it unnecessary for the consent of the Attorney-General to be given? Will the hon. Gentleman comment on these changes, and does he not think they are liable to make relations in the territory much worse?
§ Mr. ProfumoNo, Sir. That ordinance consolidated the penal code legislation to control the watching and besetting of premises other than in trade disputes.