§ 9. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he authorised the enactment of the Industrial 185 Disputes and Compulsory Arbitration Ordinance, which makes all strikes illegal, passed by the Legislative Council of Aden on 15th August, 1960.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe Governor of Aden had my full support in introducing and assenting to the Industrial Relations (Conciliation and Arbitration) Ordinance, 1960. This legislation does not make all strikes illegal.
§ Mr. BrockwayIs the Colonial Secretary aware that, despite his statement that this legislation does not make all strikes illegal, that is the view of the trade union movement in Aden, that the trade unions are supported by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions in that interpretation, and that the I.C.F.T.U. proposes to take the matter to the I.L.O.? Will he look again at this very serious matter?
§ Mr. MacleodThere is no doubt whatever that all strikes are not illegal. They are not illegal where wage councils have been created; they are not illegal where a collective agreement has been concluded and a certificate issued by the President of the Court; they are not illegal where the Crown is not prepared to accept arbitration, and they are not illegal where, in the opinion of the Industrial Court, an employer or association has not acted in good faith. There can be no doubt in that matter. I have, of course, looked at the point of view of the representations, particularly in relation to our obligations under the I.L.O. Convention, and I am satisfied that they do not conflict.