§ 24. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement about recent disturbances in Bermuda.
§ 26. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement upon the rioting of 3rd February in Hamilton, Bermuda, resulting in serious injuries to 17 workers and a British policeman, and causing the calling up of police reserves and the Territorial Army.
§ Mrs. WhiteI would refer the hon. Members to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Surbiton (Mr. Fisher), to which I would add that since yesterday those who were striking in sympathy are returning to work and only the electrical workers are still on strike.
§ Mr. IrvineIs the hon. Lady aware that the way in which this matter has been handled has given widespread satisfaction?
§ Mrs. WhiteI thank the hon. Member.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs it not a fact that the Bermuda Electric Light Company denied the workers official recognition and would not allow them to have their own ballot, and used blacklegs? Will she guarantee that the workers in any of our Colonies are given the usual rights of association, as free men?
§ Mrs. WhiteAs was made clear in the reply that I gave yesterday, the labour adviser to my right hon. Friend is now in Bermuda. I am sure that he will try to see that proper practices are established on both sides of the industry.
§ Sir F. BennettWill the hon. Lady take this opportunity to make it clear that in this incident—which we all regret—there was no element of racial tension, particularly as the island is enjoying happier race relations than for a long time past?
§ Mrs. WhiteI am not aware of any such element.