§ 6. Mr. Gardnerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to prevent Russian and Cuban ships carrying fuel and foodstuffs from breaking the strike in British Guiana.
§ Mr. FisherNone, Sir. The strike is now over but, in any event, this is a matter which would have fallen within the responsibility of British Guiana Ministers.
§ Mr. GardnerIn reaching any decision about the future of British Guiana, will my hon. Friend take into account the profound concern which has been felt by those who oppose Communism in British Guiana about the use of Russian and Cuban ships to break the strike and to keep in power an avowed Communist, Dr. Jagan.
§ Mr. FisherEssential services have been safeguarded by the provision of fuel oil by these ships. Indeed, Dr. Jagan, to be fair to him, could not, owing to the trade union position, obtain fuel oil to keep these essential services going except from Cuba.
§ Mr. S. SilvermanWhile welcoming the rather unexpected support of the hon. and learned Member for Billericay (Mr. Gardner) for the principle of the right to strike, and while wishing that it would be extended to other strikes in other parts of the world, may I ask the Under-Secretary to say whether, in the opinion of the Government, there is any sound foundation for preventing anyone's ships from carrying foodstuffs to anywhere in the world?
§ Mr. FisherThere may not be any such sound foundation, but if trade unionists do not want to load and unload such ships I do not think that it is for me to criticise them.
§ 7. Mr. Gardnerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action is being taken by British troops to maintain law and order pending the settlement of the present strike in British Guiana; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FisherAs I have said, the strike is now over. Detachments in support of the civil powers are available both in Georgetown and in the rural areas. In Georgetown they are helping the police by providing static guards and street patrols.
§ Mr. GardnerIs my hon. Friend aware that during the last few days I have received urgent cables from more than 50 responsible people in British Guiana expressing their despair at the support which they think the British Government have been paying for and giving to a Communist règime in a British Colony?
§ Mr. FisherI, too, have received a good many cables. The troops are in British Guiana to maintain law and order and whatever the complexion of the Government in British Guiana, we traditionally provide this aid; and I think that we should do so.