§ 26. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the numbers of trade unions in Uganda; how many members this represents; and what efforts are being made to develop trade unionism in the Protectorate.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAt the end of last year there were 13 registered trade unions with a total membership of 4,784. In addition to giving day-to-day help and guidance, the Labour Department arranges training courses from time to time. The Department has for many years employed an officer recruited from the trade union movement in the United Kingdom whose particular responsibility is trade union development; and has recently prepared and distributed a booklet on trade union accounting.
§ Mr. StonehouseIs the Colonial Secretary aware that trade unions have a tremendous part to play in the building up of Uganda's economy and that the figure he has given of just over 4,000 trade unionists is quite tiny in relation to the total number of employees in Uganda? Further, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that although it may be comparatively easy to get trade unions established in the towns, he should have a special department set up in Uganda to advise on the setting up of trade unions for the plantation employees, who have been neglected?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI will look into that.