§ 21. Mr. Bottomleyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many companies in Swaziland prohibit trade union activities among their employees.
§ Mr. FisherNone. A recent proclamation prohibits any employer from making it a condition of employment that an employee shall not belong to a trade union.
§ Mr. BottomleyCan the Under-secretary say how many trade unionists are detained without trial and what encouragement is being given to employers to enable trade unionists to make representations, bearing in mind the appalling conditions in the Territory?
§ Mr. FisherI did not know that any trade unionists were awaiting trial. I will certainly look into the matter and will tell the right hon. Gentleman the result of my researches. I am afraid that some of the larger companies have not encouraged unions—and this point was raised in an earlier Question—but I think that recent events have led to a change of heart and I hope we can make some progress.
§ Mr. BrockwayIs it not the case that during the recent strike British troops surrounded a compound of workers and the workers were then screened as to whether they were ready to go back to work or wanted to continue the strike? Is it not a fact that those who refused to go back to work were arrested and are being detained in conditions which my right hon. Friend the Member for Middlesbrough, East (Mr. Bottomley) has described as appalling?
§ Mr. FisherI will look into the points which the hon. Member draws to my attention.
§ Miss VickersIn view of the success of Mr. Willis in British Guiana, may I ask whether it would not be a good idea if he or some other representative went out to try and help to obtain a better understanding in Swaziland?
§ Mr. FisherThese strikes are now over and therefore it does not arise as an urgent matter, but I am always conscious of the fact that in these territories where unions are just beginning to develop anyone sent out by the T.U.C. is always a very good asset in helping local unions to develop in the right way. I hope that the T.U.C. may bear in mind the suggestion made by my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Devonport (Miss Vickers).
§ Mr. BottomleyWill the hon. Gentleman undertake to place in the Library copies of the Regulations and Proclamations issued during the state of emergency?
§ Mr. FisherYes, Sir. I think that I can give that assurance but I have not read them myself. The right hon. Gentleman therefore is putting me in something of a difficulty in asking me to place in the Library things which I have not studied and when I do not know whether or not they are confidential. But I hope to be able to do so.