§ 39. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Governor of Tanganyika has directed that the inquiry into the state of industrial relations in the sisal industry shall not be held in public.
§ Mr. J. AmeryBoth sides of the industry agreed with the Government that it would be better for the inquiry to be held in private.
§ Mr. SwinglerWhen the right hon. Gentleman says "both sides of the industry", does he mean that the trade unions, which are represented by a very small minority on the Wage Fixing Council, have agreed to this procedure? Is he not aware that there have been statements from the trade unions, which have an important part to play in this inquiry, that they wish to have the opportunity to state their case in public so that the 1506 people of the area may judge what the causes of the dispute are?
§ Mr. AmeryMy understanding is that the parties concerned have all agreed that the inquiry should be in private.