§ 7. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what facilities are available to African trade union organisers to hold meetings to recruit workers to the trade unions on sisal and other plantations in Tanganyika and Kenya.
§ Mr. ProfumoAccess of trade union organisers to privately-owned estates is, of course, a matter for agreement between the organisation and the employers concerned. In Kenya all public meetings must also be held under permit from the authorities. I understand that in the case of the Tanganyika sisal industry arrangements have been agreed between the two sides which are in the main working satisfactorily.
§ Mr. SwinglerWould the hon. Gentleman look into this matter again? Is not it Government policy to foster the development of trade unionism and the establishment of negotiating machinery about wages and conditions in these Territories? How can that be done unless the employers will permit propaganda for trade unions and the holding of meetings on the plantations? Will he, therefore, make an effort to see that, generally speaking, these facilities are made available?
§ Mr. ProfumoI do not think anything the hon. Member has said is out of accord with the Answer I have given. It certainly is our policy to foster and encourage trade unions. I think the ways and means of doing that are not in any way being barred in these Territories.