§ 33. Mr. Bennasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what representations he has received from the Aden Trades Union Congress, the International Confederation of Free Trades Unions, and the British Trades Union Congress about the industrial situation in Aden; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI received in Aden a letter from the Aden Trades Union Congress dated 14th February which included 200 representations on a number of matters related to the industrial situation in Aden. These are being carefully studied. No formal representations have been received from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions on this subject, but before I went to Aden I had a talk with a delegation from the British T.U.C. about industrial relations in the territory.
§ Mr. BennSince the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions has expressed concern at the industrial situation in Aden, will the right hon. Gentleman agree to meet it to discuss the situation?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIf it makes a request to me I will certainly consider it.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonWhile fully recognising the interest of the British Trades Union Congress in industrial matters in Aden, may I ask my right hon. Friend to resist any attempt by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions to interfere in the internal affairs of British territories?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI think that it is to the British Trades Union Congress that the unions in Aden should most wisely look for guidance in their difficulties.
§ 34. Mr. Bennasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what consultations have taken place in Aden between the Government and the trade unions for establishing better machinery for industrial relations.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThere have been no formal consultations recently, but the Aden Government have had regular informal discussions with representatives of the Aden T.U.C., the unions and employers with the object of improving the negotiating machinery. I understand that the Aden T.U.C. is now ready to consider co-operating in setting up a joint industrial council for the port.
§ Mr. BennIs the right hon. Gentleman willing to sponsor the plea of the Aden T.U.C. that there should be consultation in all the main industries in the port before redundancies and dismissals take place?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI gave the Aden T.U.C. an opportunity of meeting me when I was there last week. I am sorry to say that it did not take it.