§ 1. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what draft legislation has been introduced in the Bahamas House of Assembly regarding trade unions; and to what extent the support of the Bahamas Federation of Labour has been secured for such legislation.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)A Trade Union and Industrial Conciliation Bill was introduced into the House of Assembly by the United Bahamian Party in July. It received the support of all parties and was enacted in August. The President of the Bahamas Federation of Labour, who is a member of the House, moved an Amendment to provide for the automatic registration of existing trade unions, but did not obtain a seconder.
§ Mr. AllaunWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether any modifications are likely to be made following the recent visit of the Federation President to London, and, in particular, will he say whether he accepts the clause dissolving all existing trade unions and compelling them to register at the discretion of the Government industrial officer?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo changes will be made. The great reception given to the Bill in the Assembly is a happy augury that it is generally accepted. I regard it as very significant that from now on there will be, established for the first time under the Bill, a proper labour department in the Bahamas under a chief industrial officer.