§ 21. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what representations have been made by the European and African mineworkers' unions for the withdrawal of the Trades Union and Trades Disputes Bill from the Northern Rhodesian Legislative Assembly.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydA cable which was sent to me by the unions concerned, protesting against the provisions of the Bill published in Northern Rhodesia in February, was duly referred by me to the Governor of Northern Rhodesia. With the publication of a modified Bill on 18th April the earlier Bill was withdrawn.
§ Mr. BrockwayCan the right hon. Gentleman enlighten us a little further? Does the second edition of this Bill include a Clause specifying a fine of £100, or £5 for each day, on any individual who engages in an unofficial strike? Is not it the case that for the first time both the European and the African unions have joined in a protest against this Measure?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI will be glad to discuss this with the hon. Member and to show him a copy of both Bills. Under the original Bill, failure to hold a secret ballot before a strike was declared was made an offence. The new Bill provides simply that there must be a secret ballot and a two-thirds majority before a strike is declared. I am quite ready to show the hon. Member copies of the old and the new Bill.
§ 23. Mr. Prenticeasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies his policy in regard to the proposals to amend the Trade Union Ordinance now being considered by the Northern Rhodesian Legislative Council, which include legal restrictions on the right to strike and to reach closed-shop agreements; and what reply has been sent by the Governor to the protest he has received on this matter from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions' mission visiting the territory.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI assume the hon. Member's Question refers to the Bill published in February; it was replaced by 1405 a modified Bill in April. The Amendments now proposed follow strictly the recommendations of a Commission set up by the Governor of Northern Rhodesia under the chairmanship of Mr. G. G. Honeyman, a Chairman of the Industrial Court in this country, to inquire into industrial unrest in the copper-mining industry. I see no reason to intervene in the matter.
As regards the second part of the Question I am in touch with the Governor. The delegation left the territory shortly after sending its telegram of protest, which also related to the earlier bill.
§ Mr. PrenticeIs it a fact that growing unemployment in this territory is liable in any case to weaken what bargaining powers the trade unions there possess? In these circumstances, is not it wrong that any Bill should be brought in that will further weaken the trade unions in the territory? Will the right hon. Gentleman affirm that it is the policy of the United Kingdom Government to strengthen healthy trade unionism in the Colonies? Will he look again into the matter to see whether he can intervene?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIt is certainly our policy to strengthen healthy trade unionism. I would remind the hon. Member that the Bill is based on a report signed by Sir William Lawther.